Photo by Scott Beseler

Newport Icon Cities Near Newport KY

Nearby Newport are the smaller (in size, not stature!) cities of Bellevue, Dayton, and Fort Thomas.  Much like Newport, each of these cities has a decorated past and is experiencing a resurgence through investments in the towns’ unique dining, shopping, and entertainment venues.  Each city takes enormous pride in their history and historic charm of their quaint river city that is overflowing with historic architecture.
 
For many years, Historic Fairfield Avenue, which connects Bellevue and Dayton, has served as the center of town commerce and that still holds true today, with many of Bellevue and Dayton’s businesses being located on Fairfield Avenue.  Just south of Bellevue and Dayton is Fort Thomas, which features many remnants of the Civil War era, but is bursting with new businesses and popular dining destinations.

Top restaurants, breweries, and bars in the Bellevue, Dayton, and Fort Thomas areas

Darkness Brewing, Bellevue

Darkness Brewing is a neighborhood brewery and taproom that’s open 7 days a week and features a kitchen serving food 5 days a week.  Don’t miss the Sunday brunch or the experimental beer styles.

Fessler’s Legendary Pizza & Hoagies, Bellevue

Fessler’s is legendary for good reason--they’ve been family-owned and operated since 1963.  You’ll be licking your fingers after eating one of their incredible hoagies or pizzas, but the burgers, fries, and salads are good too.

Three Spirits Tavern, Bellevue

A member of The B-Line bourbon experience, Three Spirits Tavern features finely crafted cocktails and a just-right food menu.  The experience is centered around a fun, dog-friendly patio with plenty of outdoor dining space, including heaters and games.

Siam Orchid, Bellevue

Siam Orchid is a delicious choice for Thai food in Bellevue.  With great service, fresh food, and a quaint atmosphere, Siam Orchid is the place to go to cure your craving for Asian food!

Schneider’s Sweet Shop, Bellevue

A visit to Schneider’s brings back memories of the old corner ice cream shop from years ago, complete with a soda fountain.  Since 1939, Shneider’s has been serving the area homemade chocolates and cream candies, including their famous Opera Creams.  Don’t forget to order an ice ball!

Elusive Cow, Bellevue

With numerous vegan options on the menu, balanced with choices of mouth-watering burgers made with bison or beef, Elusive Cow has something for everyone.  Don’t skip the onion rings!

Galactic Fried Chicken, Dayton

What began as a food truck is now an out-of-this-world tasty fried chicken joint.  The fried chicken is thick and crunchy and the breading is gluten-free and deliciously seasoned.  Delectable sides include three-cheese macaroni, mashed potatoes, and deviled eggs.  The menu also includes vegan options of jackfruit nuggets and vegan hot sauce.

Midway Cafe, Fort Thomas

Located inside of a 90-year-old building, Midway Cafe features fall-off-the-bone smoked wings and a drink selection with so many beer and whiskey options it’ll make your head spin.  The rest of the menu is great, too, and don’t forget to order a famous bourbon slushie.

The Parlor Ice Cream and Cookie Dough, Fort Thomas

Edible cookie dough, espresso specialty drinks, urbana coffee, affogado, java whips, ice cream, and more are the features of The Parlor in Fort Thomas.  Whether you’re craving a sundae, shake or malt, or nitro float, check out The Parlor.

New Garden, Fort Thomas

New Garden is well known in the Fort Thomas community for its modern interpretation of classic Chinese dishes.  They use fresh ingredients and serve up tasty Asian fare and sushi.

Fort Thomas Pizza & Tavern, Fort Thomas

Fort Thomas Pizza & Tavern is a go-to for cold beer and great food including pizza, pasta, calzones, sandwiches, appetizers, and more.  They also serve breakfast featuring omelettes, eggs, bacon, sausage, goetta, french toast, pancakes, and more.