For the past 14 years, the Best of NKY has celebrated all that Northern Kentucky’s communities have to offer. From brunch to barber shops, we love celebrating the businesses of this community. Thousands of people voted in the 2025 Best of NKY competition and during the in-person event June 12 at the Newport Syndicate. NKY Magazine readers voted for their favorites in 194 categories, and we are excited to bring you this year’s winners. We asked some of our winners why they thought they won their category and we included a selection of their responses in the following pages. The event was sponsored by Jolly Plumbing Heating & Air and Madewell Roofing & Exteriors.
Auto
Auto New
Performance Lexus Northern Kentucky
709 Wright’s Summit Pkwy, Ft. Wright
Auto Parts
Sper Auto Parts & Sales
319 Montjoy St., Falmouth
Auto Repair
Don Baxter Auto
9574 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria
Auto Used
Jeff Wyler Honda in Florence
949 Burlington Pike, Florence
Car Wash
Johnny’s Car Wash
3152 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger
Custom Auto
Jude’s Custom Exhaust, Auto Repair & Towing
5323 Madison Pike, Independence
Motorcycle Repair Service
Sick Fish Cycles
5736 Limaburg Road, Burlington
Motorcycle Shop
NKY Motorsports
10425 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria
Oil Change
Don Baxter Auto
9574 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria
Towing Service
Kentucky Auto Service & Towing
520 Ash St., Elsmere
Beauty
Esthetician
Bellava Aesthetics
2734 Chancellor Drive, Ste 108, Crestview Hills
Hair Salon
Faith & Allen
2883 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills
Make-up Artist
Bridal by Chey
Manicure/Pedicure
Heathers Nails & Boutique
8170 Mall Road, Florence
MasterStylist
Marissa Liechty, Bombshell Studio and Salon
10358 US-42, Union
Place for a Spa Day
Petals Spa and Boutique
300 Washington St., #4, Alexandria
Skincare Clinic
Emily’s Esthetics
600 Rodeo Drive, Second floor, Erlanger
Tattoo Parlor
Iron Crow Tattoo
264 Main St., Ste C, Florence
Drinks
Bar
Blaze Cigar Lounge and Bar
515 Monmouth St., #101, Newport
Bourbon Selection (Restaurant/Bar)
Revival Vintage Bottle Shop
614 Madison Ave., Covington
Brewery
Fabled Brew Works 
331 Kenton Lands Road, Ste 300, Erlanger
Distillery
Boone County Distilling Co.
10601 Toebben Drive, Independence
Happy Hour
Alexandria Brewing Company
7926 Alexandria Pike, Ste 1, Alexandria
Hotel Bar
Knowledge Bar & Social Room in Hotel Covington
620 Madison Ave., Covington
Independent Coffeehouse
Carabello Coffee 
107 E. Ninth St., Newport
Local Beer
Barleycorn’s Brewhouse
402 Licking Pike, Wilder
Sports Bar
Dickmann’s Sports Barn and Brew
479 Orphanage Road, Ft. Wright
Wine Store/Tasting
StoneBrook Winery
6570 Vineyard Lane, Camp Springs
Entertainment
Bowling Alley
Erlanger Strike & Spare
510 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger
Crafting Classes & Workshops
Board & Brush Creative Studio
2875 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills
Festival
Rocktoberfest at St. Barbara Church
4042 Turkeyfoot Road, Erlanger
Golf Course
Lassing Pointe Golf Course
2266 Double Eagle Drive, Union
Live Music
MegaCorp Pavilion
101 W. Fourth St., Newport
Movie Theater
AMC Newport on the Levee 20
1 Levee Way, Ste 4100, Newport
Museum
Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center
620 Greenup St., Covington
Theatre
The Carnegie
1028 Scott St., Covington
Family
After School Program
R.C. Durr YMCA
5874 Veterans Way, Burlington
Birthday Party Location
Erlanger Strike & Spare
510 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger
Dance/Theatre Instruction
Studio Dee
3420 Valley Plaza Pkwy, Ft. Wright
Daycare Center
Little Treehouse Learning Center
1020 Hands Pike, Covington
Education (College)
Northern Kentucky University
1 Louie B Nunn Drive, Highland Heights
Education (Elementary)
St. Pius X Catholic School
348 Dudley Road, Edgewood
Education (High School)
Notre Dame Academy
1699 Hilton Drive, Park Hills
Family Fun Entertainment
Sherlock’s Escape Rooms
Multiple locations including Florence
(7916 Connector Drive)
Gymnastics Center
Top Flight Gymnastics
721 Centre View Blvd., Crestview Hills
Martial Arts
McClendon Martial Arts
8109 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria
Music Instruction
NKU Music Preparatory
Fine Arts Center,
378A Nunn Drive, Highland Heights
Photographer
Jennifer Lynn Pictures
270 W. Pike St., Covington
Preschool
Hopeful Lutheran Church & Preschool
6430 Hopeful Church Road, Florence
Real Estate Agency
Platinum Partners Home & Property Team
3005 Dixie Hwy, Ste 60, Edgewood
Real Estate Agent
Nick Foltz, Pivot Realty Group
1717 Dixie Hwy, Eighth Floor, Ft. Wright
School Spirit (K-12)
Crescent Ridge Academy
2625 Anderson Road, Crescent Springs
Summer Camp
Creative House of Art & Design
609 Main St., Covington
Swim Lessons
R.C. Durr YMCA
5874 Veterans Way, Burlington
Toy Store
Learning Express Toys & Gifts
2812 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills
Food
Bakery
Emerson’s Bakery
Multiple locations including Florence
(7606 Dixie Hwy)
BBQ
Four Mile Pig
7962 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria
Breakfast/Brunch
The Hive – East Coast Kitchen & Coffee Bar
480 Erlanger Road, Erlanger
Burger
Bender’s Pub Grub
7926 Alexandria Pike, Unit 1A, Alexandria
Business Lunch
Blinkers Tavern
318 Greenup St., Covington
Catering
Barleycorn’s Select Event Catering
1073 Industrial RoaD, Cold Spring
Chef
Ken Durbin, The At Home Chef
Chinese Cuisine
Casual Chinese
88 Carothers Road, Newport
Cupcakes
Little Flour Baked Goods
2479 Dixie Hwy, Ft. Mitchell
Dessert
Triple R Cookie Jar
Donuts
Emerson’s Bakery
Multiple locations including Florence
(7606 Dixie Hwy)
Family Dining
Barleycorn’s
Multiple locations including Cold Spring (1073 Industrial Road)
Fast Casual
Fessler’s Legendary Pizza & Hoagies
343 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Fine Dining
MRBL
119 Fairfield Ave., Fourth Floor, Bellevue
Food Truck
Dreamys Ice Cream
3020 Washington St., Burlington
Fried Chicken
Greyhound Tavern
2500 Dixie Hwy, Ft. Mitchell
Gluten – Free Options
The Hive – East Coast Kitchen & Coffee Bar
480 Erlanger Road, Erlanger
Hotel Restaurant
Coppin’s Restaurant + Bar in Hotel Covington
638 Madison Ave., Covington
Ice Cream
Cold Stone Creamery – Crestview Hills
2817 Dixie Hwy, Crestview Hills
Ice Cream (Soft Serve)
Dreamys Ice Cream
3020 Washington St., Burlington
Italian Cuisine
Camporosso
2475 Dixie Hwy, Ft. Mitchell
Mexican Cuisine
Tulum Kitchen, Bar + Patio
225 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Patio Dining
Washington Square Cafe
5981 N. Jefferson St., Burlington
Pizza
Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
Multiple locations including Newport
(336 Monmouth St.)
Restaurant
The 859 Taproom and Grill
8720 Bankers St., Florence
Soup/Salad
Highland Square Cafe
654 Highland Ave., Ft. Thomas
Steak
Blinkers Tavern
318 Greenup St., Covington
Sub/Sandwich Shop
Highland Square Cafe
654 Highland Ave., Ft. Thomas
Whether you’re looking for a quick sandwich to take back to the office or a cup of soup to enjoy over a conversation, delis are a staple of lunchtime cuisine. At Highland Square Deli in Fort Thomas, Joe Malje and Missy Buechel, owners and business partners, have created a lunchtime spot “designed around a few key principles: a casual deli focused on serving high-quality hand-crafted sandwiches, house-made soups and fresh, made-to-order salads, offering a guest-focused menu that is flexible and customizable,” according to Malje.
Highland Square Deli offers more than just a spot to pick up lunch, though, Malje says, “Many of our elevated, classic sandwiches and salads are also available for events and catering. Guests can also order online for quick pick-up or for delivery through one of our partners.”
The deli’s recipe for success, according to Malje, is that, beyond perhaps some high-quality cold cuts and other toppings, the shop’s “dedicated, guest-focused team consistently delivers on our promise of hand-crafted favorites.”
Sushi
Sake Bomb Sushi
3072 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger
Thai Cuisine
Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar
2520 Hazelwood St., Crescent Springs
Vegetarian/Vegan
Baker’s Table
1004 Monmouth St., Newport
View from a Restaurant
MRBL
119 Fairfield Ave., Fourth Floor, Bellevue
Wings
Knuk-N-Futz
5468 Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill
Health
Acupuncture
Synergy Holistic Health Center
7309 US-42, Florence
Chiro
All Star Chiropractic
Multiple locations including Florence
(7201 Dixie Hwy)
Dentist
Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
2025 Declaration Drive, Ste B, Independence
Fitness Center
Pure Barre Fort Wright
3420 Valley Plaza Pkwy, Ft. Wright
Fitness Class Instructor
Jamie Quigley, Jazzercise Union Fitness Center
1597 Cavalry Drive, Ste E, Union
Popping into Jazzericse, Union, one is sure to see a group of fitness enthusiasts getting in their cardio for the day in a bit of an unusual way. Of course, Jazzercise combines different forms of fitness with dance to create a healthy yet fun workout. According to Jamie Quigley, owner and instructor at Jazzercise Union Fitness Center in Union, the fitness routine is much more than that. “Most people assume Jazzercise is just dancing in leg warmers,” Quigley says. “People may not realize that the friendships and support system are just as powerful as the workouts themselves.”
It was this mission to create friendships and community that drove Quigley to open her Jazzercise location. “The goal was not just to start another workout studio. It was to create a space where women could feel strong, supported and celebrated at every stage of life,” she says. “What started as a handful of classes each week has grown into a thriving hub of energy, laughter and sweat.”
Holistic Health & Wellness
Sweet Serenity Massage & Salt Therapy
9910 C Berberich Drive, Florence
Home Health Care
Homewatch CareGivers of Northern Kentucky
71 Cavalier Blvd., #216, Florence
Massage Therapist
Erica Laaker, LMT, Northern Kentucky Medical Massage
2221 Memorial Pkwy, Street Level Entrance, Ft. Thomas
Medical Facility
Leila Urgent Care
2940 Hebron Park Drive, #101, Hebron
Medical Spa
dermalounge
723 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs
Mental Health Agency/Practice
Blume Counseling
605 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Nutrition Coach
Kim Waits, Intentionally Fit
Optometrist
Michelle Howell, OD, Infocus
3970 Turkeyfoot Road, Erlanger
Orthodontist
Rechtin Jacobs Orthodontics
25 Town Center Blvd., Ste 102, Crestview Hills
Pediatric Dentist
Union Pediatric Dentistry
2012 Callie Way, #202, Union
Everyone remembers the dread of going to the dentist when they’re a kid. While the lollipops and stickers are nice, they don’t make dental cleaning fun. At Union Pediatric Dentistry, though, they are trying to challenge this notion. “Our practice, Union Pediatric Dentistry, does dentistry differently,” says Kaitlin Jennison, owner and pediatric dentist at the practice. At Union Pediatric Dentistry, patients are offered services such as minimally invasive dentistry, nitrous oxide, IV sedation and other general anesthesia at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to meet patients’ needs.” Opening in 2008, Union Pediatric dentistry has made customer service its front of mind priority. “People remember how you make them feel and this is always our focus,” Jennison says.
What’s more, the dentist’s office does its best to integrate itself into the community. Jennison, who has written two children’s books, and the rest of the office will be donating a book to most kindergarteners in public schools in Northern Kentucky, according to the office.
Pediatrician
Northern Kentucky Pediatric Group
1016 Town Drive, Wilder
Personal Trainer
Jimmy Mounce, RC Durr YMCA
5874 Veterans Way, Burlington
Pharmacy
Cherokee Drug Shoppe
6439 Taylor Mill Road, Independence
A staple in the community since 1978, Cherokee Drug Shoppe was “founded on the belief that healthcare should be personal, trustworthy and rooted in the community,” says Katie Gubser, craft coordinator of the pharmacy and its sister business, Ft. Mitchell Drug Shoppe.
While its status as an almost 50-year-old pharmacy has given it the unique opportunity to care for multiple generations of families, the shop is much more than a simple pharmacy. “People are often surprised by how much we offer beyond prescriptions,” Gubser says, referencing the shop’s large collection of “everyday essentials and a thoughtfully curated selection of items from local crafters and makers.”
While in recent decades locally owned pharmacies have been swapped for grocery-store owned ones, Cheorkee Drug Shoppe still stands. Gubser says, though, that she and the others at the shop can easily trace their success back to their business model. “Over the decades, a lot has changed in the world of pharmacy, but our core values have never wavered,” she says. “In a world that often prioritizes speed over service, we focus on care, connection and community.”
Physical Therapy
BenchMark Physical Therapy
Multiple locations including Florence
(280 Mount Zion Road, Ste B)
Smoothie/Juice Bar
Better Blend – Fort Mitchell
2510 Dixie Hwy, Ft. Mitchell
Yoga Studio
OM8 Collective Yoga
7500 Oakbrook Drive, Florence
Pets
Animal Rescue
Protect 4 Paws
105A Three Mile Rd, Wilder
Groomer
A Diamond in the Ruff Dog Grooming
1878 Ashwood Drive, Ft. Wright
Pet Boarding
Doggie Paddles LLC
10248 Dixie Hwy, Florence
Pet Daycare
On Point Pet Resort
3215 Cougar Path, Hebron
Pet Store
4 Hounds Gear & Grooming
339 W. Pike St., Covington
Vet
Erlanger Veterinary Hospital
3414 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger
Places
Apartment Community
Roebling Row Apartments
240 Greenup St., Covington
Event Space
The Prickel Barn
14112 Walton-Verona Road, Verona
Farmer’s Market
Bellevue Beach Park Farmers Market
100 Ward Ave., Bellevue
Fitness Trail
Boone County Arboretum
9190 Camp Ernst Road, Union
Hotel/Motel
Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter
10 W. RiverCenter Blvd., Covington
Park
Tower Park
900 S. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas
Place for a Picnic
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
3380 Beaver Road, Union
Place for an Instagram Photo
Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center
620 Greenup St., Covington
Place to have a Wedding
Stables Entwined Event Venue
2777 California Cross Road, California
Services
Services Accounting/CPA
Baker Business & Tax Solutions
7405 Burlington Pike, Ste 201, Florence
Alterations
Sew Lovely
233 Thomas More Pkwy, Crestview Hills
Balloon Decor
Joyful Twine
Bank/Credit
Stock Yards Bank and Trust
Multiple locations including Florence
(7135 Houston Road)
Barber Shop
Breakroom Barbers
11067 Clay Drive, Walton
Cabinetry
Custom Cabinetry & Countertops by Granite World
1450 Dixie Hwy, Park Hills
Carpet Cleaner
Stanley Steemer
Multiple locations including Florence (6800 Power Line Drive)
Commercial Janitorial Service
Fite Cleaning Services
50 E. Rivercenter Blvd., Ste 418, Covington
Computer Repair
Tech Castle
4314 Boron Ave., #D, Covington
Concrete
Tanenbaum Services & Concrete
Construction
Hermes Construction Co.
8 Girard St., Florence
Custom Florist
Fleurs & Events of Florence
7500 Oakbrook Drive, #5, Florence
Door/Window
AE Door & Window
7910 Freedom Way, Florence
Dry Cleaner
Independence Cleaners
1832 Declaration Drive, Independence
Electric/Electrician
S.E.S Electric
206 Vine St., #2, Wilder
Exterior Restoration
Madwell Roofing & Exteriors
125 W. 34th St, Covington
Exterminator
Perfection Pest Control
9967 Old Union Road, Union
Fence Installation
LeGrand Fence Contractors LLC
1664 Frogtown Road, #94, Union
Financial Planner
Lindloff Wealth Advisors
211 Grandview Drive, Ste 230A, Ft. Mitchell
Frame Shop
Framed NKY
2519 Ritchie Ave., Crescent Springs
Funeral Home
Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Homes
Multiple locations including Independence (11382 Madison Pike)
Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical
40 Cave Run Drive, Erlanger
Home & Business Organizing Service
RevampT Spaces Organizing Services
Home Builder
Drees Homes
211 Grandview Drive, Ft. Mitchell
Home Remodeler
JLH Customs
3075 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger
Individual Repair Service
Northern Ky Handyman Service
225 Ten Mile Drive, Dry Ridge
Insurance Agent
Jeff Martin, Wethington Insurance
30 N. Main St., Walton
Interior Designer
Danielle Harris, TOB Design Firm
3075 Dixie Hwy, Edgewood
IT Services
Emerge IT Solutions
7660 Turfway Road, #200, Florence
Landscaper
A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping
7765 Foundation Drive, Florence
Law
Law Offices of Shannon C. Smith
406 W. Sixth St., Apt 2, Covington
Lawn Care
A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping
7765 Foundation Drive, Florence
Local Dumpster Rental
MP Services LLC
11740 Banklick Road, Walton
Logistics Company
Valley High Logistics
Lumber
Boone Kenton Lumber & Building Supply
3219 Crescent Ave., Erlanger
Mortgage Lender
OnPoint Home Lending
2912 E. Gallatin St., Burlington
Moving Services
Big Blue Moving
401 Dudley Trace, Florence
Plumber
Jolly Plumbing, Drains, Heating & Air
101 Beacon Drive, #1, Wilder
Pool Service
Passion Pools
14194 Dixie Hwy, Crittenden
Power Washing Company
Big Blue Pressure Washing
401 Dudley Trace, Florence
Retirement Community
Rosedale Green
4250 Glenn Ave., Covington
Roofing
Madwell Roofing & Exteriors
125 W. 34th St, Covington
Sales Coaching
Summit ActionCOACH Business Coaching & Training
2304 Alexandria Pike, Ste 101, Southgate
Tire Center
Bob Sumerel Tire & Service
1257 Cox Ave., Erlanger
Travel Advisor
Sunny Destination Travel
1927 Peach Blossom Lane, Hebron
Tree Care
All American Tree Service
Windows
The Glass Guru
100 Beacon Drive, Wilder
Shopping
Antiques
Motley Home
5975 N. Jefferson St., Burlington
Among the small yet charming Main Street strip in Burlington sits Motley Home, a local home goods and vintage shop. Opening in December 2021, the shop represented an expansion of the area following the pandemic. Founded by Meggie Wainscott Martin and Emily Price, the shop was born out of the desire to create “something that blends history, creativity and entrepreneurship,” says current owner Dawn Bringer.
“Motley Home is a place where history meets modern artistry,” Bringer says. “[A place] where everyone from collectors and decorators to brides and creatives can find something meaningful.”
Since its founding in 2021, the shop has doubled in size, according to Bringer, allowing Motley Home to continue “embracing and uplifting local artists and makers.” What’s more, the shop has since opened a historic carriage barn as an event space.
“What began as a shared dream between two women has grown into a living, breathing part of the community,” Bringer says.
Bike Shop
Trek Bicycle Fort Wright
1999 Dixie Hwy, Ft. Wright
Bookstore
Blue Marble Books
1356 S. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas
Bridal Shop
Uniquely Bold Bridal & Formal Boutique
18 N, Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas
Clothing Store
Ape Made It Boutique
715 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Consignment Shop
Soul Unique Consignment Boutique
8537 US-42, Ste 2, Florence
Custom Apparel
Green13 Apparel Design
2006 Patriot Way, Independence
Farm Equipment
Cornerstone Equipment
3545 Dixie Hwy, Dry Ridge
Florist & Gift Shop
Swan Floral & Gift Shop
4311 Dixie Hwy, Elsmere
Furniture Store
Best Furniture Gallery
1123 S. Ft. Thomas Ave.
Garden Center
Highland Garden Center
2227 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights
Grocery Store
Kremer’s Market
755 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs
Handmade Market Vendor
Creations by Walker
Hardware
Crescent Springs Hardware
2460 Anderson Road, Crescent Springs
Jeweler
Fort Thomas Jewelers
3955 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring
Place for Appliances
Hagedorn’s Appliance
4432 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger
Place for Home Accessories
Faded Finds
654 Highland Ave., Ft. Thomas
Shopping Center
Crestview Hills Town Center
2751 Dixie Hwy, Crestview Hills
Special Gift Shop
Clementine Ft. Mitchell
2497 Dixie Hwy, Ste B, Ft. Mitchell
Thrift Shop
Secret Sister Thrift Boutique
327 Elm St., Ludlow
Women’s Fashion
Ape Made It Boutique
715 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
