Covington, Kentucky named top city for food, drinks by Food & Wine
Covington, Kentucky's Culinary Recognition
Food & Wine magazine has lauded Covington, Kentucky, as one of the top small cities in the U.S. for its exceptional food and drink scene. The city's unique culinary identity, a blend of Appalachian, German, and Southern influences, is highlighted as a key factor in this recognition.
Key Features and Establishments
Several local restaurants received specific mention, including Anchor Grill, Otto's, Bouquet, and Carmelo's. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail's B-Line and the annual Goettafest, a celebration of the regional breakfast sausage, were also highlighted as contributing to Covington's vibrant culinary landscape.
Selection Process
The selection process involved research, local insights, and recommendations from travel writers and editors. Covington was chosen alongside ten other small cities across the U.S., showcasing its distinctive culinary charm and appeal.
Overall Impression
The article emphasizes Covington's ability to combine a small-town feel with significant culinary character. Its unique blend of influences and notable restaurants contribute to its recognition as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
- Covington, Kentucky, has been named one of the best small cities for food and drink in the U.S. by Food & Wine magazine.
- The city was recognized for its unique blend of Appalachian, German, and Southern culinary influences.
- Several local restaurants and Covington's annual Goettafest were highlighted in the magazine's article.
Here's a "cheers" for the little guys.
Covington, Ky., was named as one the country's best small cities for food and drink, according to Food & Wine magazine.
Among 11 standout cities, only one Kentucky town made the recently-dropped list of top non-metro areas for dining.
Released June 4 as part of Food & Wine’s 2025 Global Tastemakers awards, the list spotlights places with less than 100,000 residents and was curated by Ohio-based travel writer Wendy Pramik.
Along with Covington, Food & Wine recognized small cities in alphabetical order including Asheville, N.C., Bozeman, Mont., Burlington, Vt., Fredericksburg, Texas, Greenville, S.C., Healdsburg, Calif., McMinnville, Ore., Oxford, Miss., Santa Fe, N.M., and Traverse City, Mich.
"Just across the river from Cincinnati, Covington is where smooth bourbon meets savory goetta, and North meets South," Pramik wrote. "This walkable river town blends Appalachian, German, and Southern influences into a culinary identity all its own."
Staple restaurants in Covington such as Anchor Grill, Otto’s, Bouquet, and Carmelo’s got shout-outs in the Food & Wine story, as did Kentucky Bourbon Trail’s B-Line and the city's annual Goettafest, a multi-day celebration of the beloved breakfast sausage dish.
More: Dutch Bros Coffee to open its first Louisville location in June: What else to knowPut all of this together and "Covington combines small-city soul with big character," Pramik wrote.
Along with Pramik's experience, destinations for the "Top Small US Cities for Food and Drink" were "chosen through research, local insights, and recommendations from fellow travel writers and editors at the magazine and beyond," according to the story.
Reach food and dining reporter Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com.
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