If you've read our lists of the Top 10 Burgers in Covington and Top 12 Burgers in Newport and are expecting us to round out a few more Northern Kentucky cities, you're in luck. This time, it's Bellevue and Ft. Thomas' turn!
If you haven't been to Bellevue or Ft. Thomas lately, you're in for a treat. Fairfield Avenue is bursting with new restaurants and quaint taverns and bars, a brewery with food truck, and so many unique shops. It's close to Newport on the Levee and you could spend an entire day here checking everything out! Ft. Thomas is equally charming with an ice cream parlor and several quaint eateries to enjoy outdoor dining. But back to the burgers...
The Elusive Cow
We were impressed with the selection of burgers at The Elusive Cow! Their menu states that their meats come from local farmers in Brown and Adams Counties in Ohio and Oldham County in Kentucky. The fresh ingredients are accompanied by a plethora of delicious breads, cheeses, toppings to add to any burger, which can be ordered as beef, turkey, or bison meat. Yum!
But if you aren't into burgers, don't let that deter you. Elusive Cow has tons of other options including salads, homemade soups, sandwiches, entrees, etc. I also noticed several vegan and gluten-free options on the menu. Did I mention that their ketchup is home-made? Check out my blog of the full experience here.
Fessler's Legendary Pizza & Hoagies
Before you try to challenge us and say that hoagies are not burgers, we know. And luckily, Fessler's has both on their menu... and they're finger-licking good!
Burgers on the menu include hamburger, cheeseburger, deluxe versions of either, or a pizza burger, any of which can be substituted for a plant-based beyond burger. Don't forget the fries--they're equally delicious! Read about my full experience here.
Midway Cafe
The burger selection at Midway Cafe is so large that it has a "continued" section on another page of the menu! All of their burgers are supplied by Eberts Meats in Newport, so you can support two local businesses at the same time. The burger options span everything from classic to The Fort (onion rings, cheddar, BBQ), to The Cincy Pig (bacon, ham, goetta on a burger and topped with pepper jack cheese and BBQ) and other options in between, including a veggie burger.
If someone in your party isn't interested in a burger, their menu also includes several other options including salads, their locally famous wings, wraps, and great appetizers. Don't forget to also check out their excellent bourbon selection!
Photo by Instagram user @joshutyourmouth
Avenue Brew
Don't let the name of this place fool you. Avenue Brew is so much more than just brew! They have four different burgers on their menu, the most notable being the Matt & Bree burger, which is a burger, bacon, over easy egg, cheddar, onion, and spicy mustard. It's a mouth full!
Much like the other restaurants on this list, Avenue Brew has a huge menu to accompany the burgers, including hoagies and wraps, paninis, cold cut and chicken salad sandwiches (including a cajun and curry variety), and more. There's also a plethora of sides to choose from--cole slaw, cottage cheese, apple sauce, chips, pretzels, pasta salad, chips & salsa, potato wedges, mac & cheese, and a house salad. If that's not enough for you, be sure to check out their breakfast menu--it's served all day!
Photo by Instagram user @mrn8green
Hometown Heroes
This restaurant is located in Dayton, Ky., right down the road from Bellevue. The photo above showcases their Hometown Double with Bacon--if your mouth isn't watering we don't know what's wrong with you.
Photo by Instagram user @laurathomasonblog
It's quite literally a hole in the wall and if you're driving too quick you might miss it. But take our advice, and don't. The prices are very reasonable, they have great wings, and a great beer selection. The menu also has several appetizers (ooey gooey fries anyone?), eight burger options, including a goetta burger, a full page of other sandwiches, and dreamy desserts, such as funnel fries, raspberry vanilla sopapillas, or ice cream sundaes.
Photo by Instagram user @fredmocahbee
915 Pub & Grill
Located in Ft. Thomas near the aforementioned Midway Cafe, 915 Pub & Grill is a laid back neighborhood sports bar with live music and trivia nights.
Photo by Google user Eric Sherwood
With a menu full of appetizers, salads, and pizza options, there's truly something for everyone. So grab your favorite trivia buddy and show up hungry!
Darkness Brewing
Earlier in the post we mentioned the brewery with food truck located in Bellevue--we were talking about Darkness Brewing. Such a cool hangout spot! The food truck menu may change, but right now they have an excellent selection of burgers, plus tacos, cauliflower bites, grilled cheese, and more--including brunch!
Photo by Instagram user @knsmast
And all of this is in addition to their amazing beer selection, which started from an at-home brewing operation. You've got to check it out!
Colonel's Kitchen
A USDA prime burger with choice of cheese and served on a house-made roll... the burger at Colonel's Kitchen melts in your mouth!
Pre-Covid Photo by Instagram user @2old2bhip
The restaurant focuses on scratch made food and regional favorites, and the passion they have for their cooking is evident in the open-kitchen concept where the chef delivers your food to you when it's ready. The restaurant is guided by the legacy of the late Colonel De, and his wife continues to operate as the go-to place for spices, herbs, and special blends.
