For the past 10 years, the Best of NKY has celebrated all that Northern Kentucky has to offer. From doughnuts to bike stores, we love celebrating the businesses of this community. Thousands of people voted in NKY Magazine’s 2021 Best of NKY competition. Attendees voted for their favorites in 140 categories, and we are excited to bring you this year’s winners.
The competition was sponsored by meetNKY, Northern Kentucky’s convention and visitors bureau.
Auto
Auto New
Jeff Wyler Honda in Florence
949 Burlington Pike, Florence.
What is your business?
“From buying to selling, parts to repairs, even body work, we are ready to help in any way we can.”
– Dave Westerfield, general manager
Auto Parts
KOI Auto Parts
Multiple locations including Burlington (2878 Washington St).
Auto Repair
Community Car Care
1047 Perkins Dr, Alexandria.
Why did you win?
“Our customer satisfaction. Read our 277 reviews and that’s what brings you in the door. How we present ourselves and our great service brings you back.” – Scott Fleckinger, owner
Auto Used
Advantage Used Cars
9216 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria.
What makes your business stand out?
They say, “Our drive to help people. We service our vehicles and do the best we can to make sure they are going to be a good first car for that 16-year-old or just simply people that need an extra car or their last car.”
Beauty
Hair Salon
Susan’s Salon & Spa
200 Commercial Circle, Alexandria.
What is your business?
According to the company, “We are a locally owned, full-service salon focused on offering individualized services at a great value. Our staff is focused on kindness, teamwork and continued education.”
Manicure/Pedicure
Sassy Nails
8761 US Hwy 42, Union.
Master Stylist
JJ Campbell, Cloud 9 Salon & Spa
393A Mt Zion Rd, Florence.
Place for a Spa Day
The Woodhouse Day Spa – NKY
2808 Turkeyfoot Rd, Crestview Hills.
Drink
Bar
Revival Vintage Bottle Shop
5 E 8th St, Covington.
Bourbon Selection
Libby’s Southern Comfort
35 W 8th St, Covington.
What makes your business stand out?
According to the restaurant, “The fun, welcoming, come-as-you-are vibe sets Libby’s out from other restaurants. Our vintage bourbon collection is one of a kind!”
Brewery
Alexandria Brewing Company
7926 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria.
Why did you win?
“We believe we won because of the experience our guests enjoy when visiting our taproom. We have become a community center for the Alexandria area. This makes every guest feel like they are part of the brewery.” – Andy Reynolds, head brewer
Happy Hour
Braxton Barrel House
5 Orphanage Rd, Ft Mitchell.
Independent Coffeehouse
Reality Tuesday Cafe
1518 Dixie Hwy, Park Hills.
Sports Bar
Honey Hole Bar & Grill
7501 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria.
What makes your business stand out?
“The Honey Hole Bar & Grill has an environment where guests become like family; we really do pride ourselves on being a place where everyone knows your name. From toddler to senior citizen, we have something for everyone!”
– Angela Roth, co-owner
Wine Store/Tasting
DEP’s Fine Wine & Spirits
Locations in Ft Thomas (424 Alexandria Pike) and Covington (670 W 3rd St).
Why did you win?
“Best prices, quality selection and exceptional service continue to be the highest priority at DEP’s Fine Wine and Spirits.”
– Ashley Olson, marketing manager
Entertainment
Bowling Alley
Southern Lanes Sports Center
7634 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria.
Festival
St. Pius X Summer Festival
348 Dudley Rd, Edgewood.
Golf Course
Pendleton Hills
317 Country Club Dr, Butler.
Live Music
The Hills Restaurant at Pendleton Hills
317 Country Club Dr, Butler.
Museum
Behringer-Crawford Museum
1600 Montague Rd, Covington.
What makes your business stand out?
According to the museum, “Behringer-Crawford is the only museum solely focused on Northern Kentucky’s people and history. It is a comprehensive portrait of Northern Kentucky—its people, its history and evolution from prehistoric times to the present.”
Family
Birthday Party Location
Sherlock’s Escape Rooms
Locations in Florence (7916 Connector Dr) and Cold Spring (40 Martha Layne Collins Blvd).
What is your business?
“We offer family-friendly entertainment where you and your friends and family can enjoy being detectives while you’re ‘locked’ in a room, working together to search for clues, crack codes and attempt to solve the mystery before time runs out!” – Jennifer Maki, owner and VP of marketing
Dance/Theatre Instruction
Studio Dee
3420 Valley Plaza Pkwy, Ft Wright.
Daycare Center
R.C. Durr YMCA
5874 Veterans Way, Burlington.
Education
Villa Madonna Academy
2500 Amsterdam Rd, Villa Hills.
Family Fun Entertainment
Newport Aquarium
1 Aquarium Way, Newport.
Why do you think you won in this category?
“Newport Aquarium is a multi-generational destination allowing guests to SEA, TOUCH and EXPLORE the wonders of an underwater world all while spending quality time together and creating lasting family memories,” says the aquarium.
Gymnastics Center
Top Flight Gymnastics
721 Centre View Blvd, Crestview Hills.
Music Instruction
NKU Music Preparatory
Fine Arts Center 371, Nunn Dr, Highland Heights.
What is your business?
“NKU Music Preparatory serves as a musical intersection between the community and university! NKU Music Prep offers music programs, events, classes and lessons for all ages and abilities,” says the organization.
Photographer
Sugar Sprout Studio
Ridgeway Crossing, Alexandria.
Preschool
Lakeside Presbyterian Preschool
2690 Dixie Hwy, Lakeside Park.
Real Estate Agency
Cindy Shetterly Team, Keller Williams
7210 Turfway Rd, Florence.
Why did you win?
“Because people know how hard we work. What we have achieved and built over the last 16 years has been a lot of hard work, dedication and the community has seen how we have poured our hearts into what we have done.”
– Cindy Shetterly, team lead
Real Estate Agent
Dianna Caldwell, Caldwell Realty Group
2110 Chamber Center Dr, Ft Mitchell.
What makes your business stand out?
“Dianna Caldwell has been in the real estate industry for over 15 years. Clients know and understand that she will represent their interests to the best of her abilities and will always put their needs first.”
– Caldwell Realty Group
School Spirit (K-12)
Covington Latin School
21 Et 11th St, Covington.
Why did you win?
“While Covington Latin may not be a large school, we have a huge heart. We believe we won Best School Spirit because our students have a sense of belonging that they could find nowhere else.”
– Amy Darpel, director of Advancement
Summer Camp
YMCA Camp Ernst
7615 Camp Ernst Rd, Burlington.
Swim Lessons
Five Seasons Family Sports Club
345 Thomas More Pkwy, Crestview Hills.
Toy Store
Learning Express Toys & Gifts
2812 Town Center Blvd, Crestview Hills.
Food
Bakery
Emerson’s Bakery
Multiple locations in Erlanger, Covington, Florence and Independence.
BBQ
Four Mile Pig
7962 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria.
Breakfast/Brunch
First Watch
Multiple locations including Crestview Hills (2762 Town Center Blvd) and Florence (7727 Mall Rd).
Burger
Bard’s Burgers & Chili
3620 Decoursey Ave, Covington.
What is your business?
“A straight-up old-school burger joint and Cincinnati chili parlor that strives to provide some of the best service and food you will find. We work meticulously on all the details!” says the restaurant.
Catering
Chef Barone’s Catering
1640 Dixie Hwy, Park Hills.
Chef
Ken Durbin, The At Home Chef
What makes your business stand out?
“That’s kinda my job, bringing people back together, and it’s emotional. I just happen to use food to do that.” – Ken Durbin
Chinese Cuisine
Casual Chinese
88 Carothers Rd, Newport.
What makes your business stand out?
“Casual Chinese restaurant is a Chinese restaurant cooking with flavors. With flavors are good, quality ingredients and consistent 29 years of professional cooking.” – Harry Hsu, owner
Cupcakes
Little Flour Baked Goods
2479 Dixie Hwy, Ft Mitchell.
Dessert
Nothing Bundt Cakes
4960 Houston Rd, Florence.
Donuts
Moonrise Doughnuts
Multiple locations including Covington (3718 Winston Ave) and Crescent Springs (2513 Ritchie Ave).
Family Dining
Buffalo Bobs Family Restaurant
9910 Berberich Dr, Florence.
Fast Casual
Lou Lou’s Café at Spare-Time
7807 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria.
Fine Dining
Walt’s Hitching Post
3300 Madison Pike, Ft Wright.
Food Truck
Marty’s Waffles
Fresh Catch
Knotty Pine On The Bayou
6302 Licking Pike, Cold Spring.
Fried Chicken
Colonial Cottage
3140 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger.
Frozen Yogurt
Schneider’s Sweet Shop
420 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue.
Ice Cream
Graeter’s Ice Cream
Multiple locations in Ft Thomas, Ft Mitchell and Taylor Mill.
Why did you win?
According to the company, “Fans can taste the difference in every hand-packed pint, and our commitment to creating the best tasting craft ice cream hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
Italian Cuisine
Camporosso
2475 Dixie Hwy, Ft Mitchell.
Mexican Cuisine
Agave & Rye
Multiple locations including Covington (635 Madison Ave).
Why did you win?
“We’ve worked hard to create an escape. The restaurant is something that causes guests to want to leave their homes to experience something amazing and one-of-a-kind.” – Yavonne Sarber, founder and CEO
Patio Dining
Barleycorn’s Lakeside Park
2642 Dixie Hwy, Lakeside Park.
Pizza
Bourbon House Pizza
7500 Oakbrook Rd, Florence.
Restaurant
Otto’s
521 Main St, Covington.
Soup/Salad
Cobblestone Café
654 Highland Ave, Ft Thomas.
What is your business?
“We are a family-owned and -operated sandwich shop that serves homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. We pride ourselves on our made-to-order sandwiches and our homemade soups/chilis.” – Jen Black, co-owner
Steak
Blinkers Tavern
318 Greenup St, Covington.
Sub/Sandwich Shop
Sub-Station II
Multiple locations including Fort Wright (1826 Dixie Hwy).
Sushi
Wabi Sabi Covington
508 Madison Ave, Covington.
View from a Restaurant
Eighteen at the Radisson
668 W 5th St, Covington.
Why did you win?
According to the restaurant, “Our views are absolutely stunning in all directions with our 360-degree panoramic views of Downtown Cincinnati and Covington. When evening turns to night it truly does show how gorgeous the views can be.”
Wings
Knuk-N-Futz
5468 Taylor Mill Rd, Taylor Mill.
Health
Charitable Race
Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K Run & Walk Northern Kentucky
What makes your race stand out?
According to the organization, “What makes our Tunnel to Towers 5K different from other events in our area is the effort that goes into honoring our first responders and military personnel.”
Chiro
Douglas P. Krift, DC
1467 S Ft Thomas Ave, Ft Thomas.
What makes your business stand out?
“I have been in practice for more than 22 years and use techniques that do not require all of the popping and cracking that goes along with traditional chiropractic techniques.” – Douglas P. Krift, DC.
Dentist
Peter Family Dentistry
2025 Declaration Dr, Independence.
What is your business?
“We are a Family Dentistry practice that focuses on general and cosmetic dentistry. Although we utilize the latest technology, our real secret is providing an exceptional level of personal attention to our patients to ensure everyone feels well cared for.” – Jeffrey Peter, DMD
Eye Doctor
Julie A. Metzger Aubuchon, OD, Metzger Eye Care
Multiple locations including Florence (6901 Dixie Hwy) and Covington (7 W 7th St).
Fitness Center
Silverlake The Family Place
301 Kenton Lands Rd, Erlanger.
Fitness Class Instructor
Lacey Parks, VIBE Dance Fitness
3 W 6th St, Newport.
Why did you win?
“I alone teach toning, bootcamp, cardio dance and Latin funk-cardio dance inspired by upbeat Latin music and dance styles. I work hard for our clients to have an amazing and beneficial workout but most importantly I bring the energy and encouragement for them to have fun!” – Lacey Parks
Health Food Store
Fresh Thyme Market
82A Carothers Rd, Newport.
Home Health Care
Homewatch CareGivers of Northern Kentucky
What makes your business stand out?
According to the company, “Our four values are integrity, reliable employees, quality and relationship building. We really focus on a team approach to the care plan with the families.”
Massage Therapist
BomDia Massage & Wellness
2216 Dixie Hwy, Ft Mitchell.
What is your business?
“BomDia is a woman veteran-owned massage therapy and wellness practice. Our mission is to help you heal yourself through massage therapy and essential oils. Whether your ailment is from trauma, injury or genetics, we will partner with you every step of the way.”
– Adriana Rogers, president
Medical Facility
The Bill and Betsy Scheben Care Center
31 Spiral Dr, Florence.
Medical Spa
dermalounge
723 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs.
Orthodontist
Gruelle Dempsey Orthodontics
Multiple locations in Florence (7205 Dixie Hwy) and Ft Thomas (40 North Grand Ave).
Pediatric Dentist
David M. Rider, DMD
1809 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights.
Pediatrician
Pediatric Associates
Multiple locations in Crestview Hills, Florence and Cold Spring.
Personal Trainer
Casey Atkinson, Crossfit The Tracks & The Tracks Fitness Lab
Dixie Highway Building B 3139, Erlanger.
Pharmacy
Alexandria Drugs
7857 US 27, Alexandria.
Yoga Studio
Studio43 Sweat+Soul
300 Washington St, Alexandria.
Pets
Groomer
Doggie Paddles LLC
10248 Dixie Hwy, Florence.
Why did you win?
According to the company, “I believe we won in this category because we offer some of the best valued services available with the best groomers. We have a great base of followers and we asked them to vote for us and they stepped up and did.”
Pet Store
LuLu’s Pet Pantry
2510 Burlington Pike, Burlington.
What is your business?
According to the store, “We are a small, independent, full-line pet supply store that specializes in natural and limited ingredient pet foods and treats. We like to support family run businesses and carry products that are made in the USA.”
Vet
Heineke Veterinary Hospital
US 27 & 5 Orlando Dr, Alexandria.
What makes your business stand out?
“We are very service-centric and spend a lot of time with our clients ensuring that they understand everything about their pet. A common thing we hear from new clients after the visit is ‘Wow, I have never had a doctor talk to me and spend that much time with me.’”
– Nick Heineke, practice manager
Places
Event Space
The Madison Event Center
700 Madison Ave, Covington.
Why did you win?
“At Madison Event Center, we strive for nothing short of excellence. Our goal is to help you create a timeless and stress-free experience that will delight you and your guests,” says the business.
Farmer’s Market
Boone County Farmers Market
6028 Camp Ernst Rd, Burlington.
Fitness Trail
Boone County Arboretum
9190 Camp Ernst Rd, Union.
Hotel/Motel
Hotel Covington
638 Madison Ave, Covington.
What makes your business stand out?
According to the hotel, “Hotel Covington stands as a testament to high stakes, high fashion and high ambition. With vintage touches and modern tailoring, the Hotel Covington sings in style, character and comfort.”
Park
Devou Park
1201 Park Dr, Covington.
Place for a Picnic
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
3380 Beaver Rd, Union.
What makes your park stand out?
“Big Bone Lick State Historic Site stands out because of its unique history of not only Northern Kentucky but also in growing the field of Paleontology,” says the park.
Place to have a Wedding
Stables Entwined Event Venue
2777 California Cross Rd, California.
What is your business?
“We are a full-service staff event venue that has most of what you need for your event set up at no additional cost. We are an outdoor venue on the water with a new barn for indoor space use,” says the venue.
Services
Accounting/CPA
Bezold Tax & Accounting Services
7817 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria.
Alterations
Theresa’s Alterations
3068 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger.
Bank Credit
Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company
Multiple locations including Florence (7135 Houston Rd) and Edgewood (591 Freedom Park Dr).
Barber Shop
Spanky’s Barbershop
422 W 6th St, Covington.
What is your business?
“We are an old-fashioned barber shop that strives in giving the best possible service while making an enjoyable and fun atmosphere,” says the shop.
Car Wash
Mike’s Carwash
Multiple locations in Florence and Ft Wright.
Carpet Cleaner
Shirden’s Friendly Carpet Cleaning
Computer Repair
Tech Castle
4314 Boron Dr, Covington.
Door/Window
Jack’s Glass
Multiple locations including Elsmere (6 Park Ave) and Covington (319 W 4th St).
Dry Cleaner
Sunshine Cleaners Company
4854 Mary Ingles Hwy, Cold Spring.
Electric
Geiman Burkhardt
11311 S Licking Pike, Alexandria.
Exterminator
Perfection Pest Control
9967 Old Union Rd, Union.
Why did you win?
According to the company, “Perfection Pest Control has been satisfying customers for over 24 years with innovative solutions to their pest problems from bed bugs to termites to wildlife management.”
Fence Installation
Mills Fence Company
Financial Planner
Crystal Mann, Charles Schwab
285 Buttermilk Pike, Ft Mitchell.
Why did you win?
“Our consistent approach to offer industry leading products and services and doing the right thing for the customer every single time! We’ll be open and honest in all aspects of our relationship, including what you pay for our services and the thinking behind our advice.” – Charles Schwab
Florist
Swan Floral & Gift Shop
4311 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger.
Funeral Home
Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Homes
Multiple locations in Walton, Independence and Florence.
Why did you win?
“For over 115 years, we’ve served our Northern Kentucky community; caring for multiple generations of local families. By providing excellent service we’ve earned the trust of our clients,” says the company.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Arlinghaus Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning
40 Cave Run, Erlanger.
What makes your business stand out?
According to Arlinghaus, “Our team wears pink to stand out and be memorable. This accompanied by our business model is driven by the desire to develop strong relationships with clients through efficient and exceptional service.”
Home Builder
Arlinghaus Builders
142 Barnwood Dr, Edgewood.
Home Remodeler
Custom Cabinetry & Countertops by Granite World
1450 Dixie Hwy, Park Hills.
Insurance Agent
Roeding Insurance
2734 Chancellor Dr, Crestview Hills.
Interior Designer
Kordenbrock Interiors
2641 Cresent Springs Rd, Cresent Springs.
Landscaper
A&A Lawn Care & Landscaping
7765 Foundation Dr, Florence.
Why did you win?
“Consistency. For every job that we do, big or small, we treat it as if it were our own. Through this mindset we are able to maintain consistency across the board and deliver the highest quality service to our customer.” – Jacob Trusty, director of Digital Marketing.
Law
Law Offices of Shannon C. Smith, PLLC
605 Madison Ave, Covington.
Locksmith
Bonded Lock & Security
3224 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger.
Lumber
Boone Kenton Lumber & Building Supply Co.
3219 Crescent Ave, Erlanger.
Mortgage
Jessica Reinhart, Mortgage Advisor
1717 Dixie Hwy, Ft Wright.
Moving Services
Big Blue Moving
What makes your business stand out?
According to the company, “Our entire staff is dedicated to providing top-notch moving services to this community from the time we receive your call to the time the last item is placed in your new home!”
Plumber
Jolly Plumbing Drains Heating & Air
Pool Service
Kramer Pools
410 Dudley Trace, Florence.
Why did you win?
“We feel that alongside the quality experience you can expect from Kramer Pools, we always go the extra mile to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers while cultivating lifelong relationships where our customers can always put their trust in us,” says the company.
Retirement Community
St. Charles Community
600 Farrell Dr, Covington.
What makes your business stand out?
“We believe we are known in the community as a place to go for senior services. Our dedicated staff works average of 7.5 years, many have worked for over 30 years and counting!” says the community.
Roofing
Wilhoite Roofing LLC
212 Bennett’s Lane, Crittenden.
Tire Center
Tire Discounters
Multiple locations including Ft Wright (1826 Dixie Hwy).
Tree Care
Kremer Tree Service
612 Steffen Rd, Alexandria.
Shopping
Antiques
Florence Antique Mall
8145 Connector Dr, Florence.
Bike Shop
Montgomery Cyclery Erlanger
3708 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger.
Bookstore
Half Price Books
4999 Houston Rd, Florence.
Why did you win?
“Our dedicated staff consists mostly of folks who have been serving the greater Tristate area for years. Because we have something for everyone, we’ve become a fundamental part of our community over the last decade. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve y’all!” says the store.
Bridal Shop
Donna Salyers Fabulous Bridal
20 W 11th St, Covington.
What is your business?
According the the store, “Our boutique has the best selection and styles of wedding gowns in the Cincinnati/Covington area. Every bride receives personalized consultations from our bridal experts.”
Clothing Store
The Lovely Closet Boutique
8109 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria.
Consignment Shop
Let it Go Consignment
7926 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria.
What makes your business stand out?
“I believe we stand out because we are a unique consignment store with a sense of community flowing the minute you walk in. We do our best to remember names and faces so we can call you by name.” – Mary Beth McGarr, owner
Farm Equipment
Southern States – Campbell
2 S Jefferson St, Alexandria.
Furniture Store
ReStyle Home Furnishings
8419 US 42, Florence.
Garden Center
Fort Thomas Florist & Greehnhouses
3 S Grand Ave, Ft Thomas.
Grocery Store
Kremer’s Market
755 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs.
Hardware
Crescent Springs Hardware
2460 Anderson Rd, Crescent Springs.
Jeweler
Fort Thomas Jewelers
2780 Alexandria Way, Highland Heights.
Place for Appliances
Hagedorn’s Appliances
4432 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger.
Place for Home Accessories
Faded Finds
654 Highland Ave, Ft Thomas.
Shopping Center
Crestview Hills Town Center
2791 Town Center Blvd, Crestview Hills.
Special Gift Shop
Bunches of Bows
2497 Dixie Hwy, Ft Mitchell.
Thrift Shop
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and Donation Center
Multiple locations in Covington, Florence, Falmouth and Cold Spring.
What makes your business stand out?
“All of the purchases made by shoppers in our four stores go directly back to the organization to provide rent, utilities and food assistance to neighbors in need in the Northern Kentucky area,” says the nonprofit.
