Covington

A vibrant neighborhood with historic buildings, colorful murals, engaging nightlife, and a large collection of locally-owed restaurants.

History of Covington

The city of Covington was incorporated in 1815 and is home to many distinct neighborhoods. One of the most popular is Mainstrasse Village. This area has a distinct flair thanks to the German immigrants of the mid-19th century. A public market once ran through the center of 6th St. and nearby Mutter Gottes Kirche was built in 1871. Other notable, historic architecture include the Roebling Suspension Bridge, which was formally opened in 1867 and was the precursor to the Brooklyn Bridge. Covington is home to St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, a minor basilica built in the Late Gothic Revival style.

Places to Visit in Covington

• Mainstrasse Village and Goebel Park - Mainstrasse, as it's known locally, is an area reminiscent of a German village with restaurants, bars, and specialty shopping. Goebel Park has the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower, a 43-bell carillon that plays on the hour.
• Devou Park - A 700+ acre park offering a variety of recreational activities including multiple playgrounds and picnic shelters, paved and nature trails, over 8 miles of mountain bike trails, a fishing lake, amphitheater, a city overlook, and more.
• NKY Art Walks - Free, self-guided tours of Northern Kentucky's public art, historic sites, and hidden gems.
• St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption - This 100+ year old cathedral is inspired by Notre Dame in Paris and is home to over 80 stained glass windows, including the largest hand-pieced window. You will also find large scale murals, gargoyles, and a collection of over 350 relics.
• Behringer-Crawford Museum - This museum celebrates the unique arts, heritage, and culture of Northern Kentucky. Their NaturePlay is a free, accessible, innovated play space for kids. 
• Clive - A friendly 30ft alien has landed in Covington, enticed by the community's creativity and art installations. Handing out from a garage on Scott Street, Clive is here to get a closer look.

Eat and Drink in Covington

• Bard's Burgers & Chili - This classic dive serves up fresh burgers, hand-cut fries and more.
• Golden Gelato - Authentic Italian gelato and sorbetto, hand crafted in small batches. The rotating menu is offered alongside espresso, lattes, and coffee from local roaster Deeper Roots Coffee.
• KungFood Chu's Amerasia - Come for the pun filled menu, stay for the delicious, scratch cooked stir fries, noodles, and more. Gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options available. 
• Blinker's Tavern - Voted "Best Steak" in NKY for 12 years running, this steakhouse is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
• Juniper's - Over 200 gins from around the world plus a regular full bar. A rotating tapas menu, Sunday brunch, and frequent live music add to your experience.
• Mama's on Main - Classic Italian dishes served in a cozy, eclectic atmosphere. Scratch made pasta, gluten free options, a delightful rooftop patio, and espresso martinis are waiting for you.
• Olla Taqueria - Serving fresh Mexican street food in a fun, vibrant setting. Their birria creations get rave reviews. Weekend brunch and patio seating available.

There are many more tasty options in Covington, check the listings below for all the details.

The B-Line in Covington

Begin a Bourbon adventure in Covington with The B-Line, Northern Kentucky's own bourbon experience. Grab your passport or digital guide and check out some of the following locations. Visit 2 distilleries, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars on The B-Line and get free swag!

• Bouquet Restaurant - An upscale, farm-to-table bistro featuring a seasonal, locally sourced menu. Don’t miss out on The Motherboard with its house-made, pickled selections.
• Coppin's Restaurant - Coppin’s in Hotel Covington offers a carefully crafted menu of elevated American bistro classics. Weekend brunch is not to be missed.
• Libby's Southern Comfort - Southern classics done right. Known for their fried chicken and bourbon slushes, but the menu has plenty more to offer. Look for Goetta Hush Puppies, a Libby’s original using the region’s signature breakfast meat.
• Lisse Steakhuis - A Dutch inspired steakhouse with American twists. Locally grown beef, produce, and fresh seafood are the stars of this scratch made menu.
• The Globe - Neighborhood bar with a welcoming atmosphere. Refreshing cocktails and an impressive selection of bourbon.
• Knowledge Bar & Social Room - Intimate, upscale and inviting. Fresh cocktails, a large champagne selection, and wines from around the world await.
• Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar - Friendly and approachable bourbon bar with knowledgeable bartenders and amazing craft cocktails.
• Revival Vintage Spirits - Full bar downstairs serving a variety of craft cocktails. Upstairs is the vintage bottle shop - everything from pre-prohibition to more recent rares. Bourbons are common, but look for other spirits. Vintage samplings and the ability to make your cocktail “vintage”.
• Smoke Justis - Smoked wings, delicious bbq, and a large selection of bourbon - what more could you want? Regular bourbon events, specials, barrel picks and more.
• Wiseguy Lounge - Old school speakeasy above Goodfella’s pizza. Dark wood, low lighting, elite bourbon and craft cocktails beckon you.
• Wenzel Distillery - Wenzel offers bourbon blending experiences for groups of all size as well as custom blends for corporate, wedding, or other gifting needs. While there be sure to check out Wenzel House, the large scale, interactive art installation right outside their front door.

Notable Festivals in Covington

• NKY Pride Parade and Festival - The first Sunday in June. Enjoy the parade, live performances, and local vendors.
• Covington Oktoberfest - Live music, Bavarian food, plenty of German beer, vendors and more. Come hoist a stein! 
• Covington Christkindlmarket - Old World Christmas market. Vendors sell unique handcrafted gifts along with delicious seasonal treats.