Kentucky has one of best small cities for food and drink in US, Food & Wine says
A Kentucky suburb of Cincinnati, often overshadowed by its neighbor across the Ohio River, recently got a nod from Food & Wine magazine as part of its 2025 Global Tastemakers awards.
The magazine recognized Covington, which has about 40,000 residents, as a small city that punches above its weight for its dining scene.
Other standout cities featured on the June 4 report include Asheville, N.C., Santa Fe, N.M., and others known for their talented chefs and regional flavors.
Why Covington’s dining scene is worth savoring
Food & Wine’s Wendy Pramik, a travel writer and photographer based in Ohio, crafted the list through research, local insights and recommendations from fellow travel writers and editors.
Pramik describes Covington as a crossroads between cultures, which makes sense given its history as a prosperous port town. Founded in 1815 and named after a hero of the War of 1812, Covington initially flourished as a market for tobacco and cigars. It was later home to a large ironworks, glassworks, distilleries and other industries.
In the 19th century, large numbers of Catholic Germans immigrated to Covington, as well as in Cincinnati and Louisville. By the 20th century, Covington had grown to become the second largest city in Kentucky after Louisville, but went into decline after the Great Depression. In more recent decades, Covington has seen an era of redevelopment given its location and historic neighborhoods.
Pramik describes Covington as a place “where smooth bourbon meets savory goetta, and North meets South.”
“This walkable river town blends Appalachian, German, and Southern influences into a culinary identity all its own. Classics like Anchor Grill and Otto’s keep things comforting, while Bouquet and Carmelo’s highlight nearby sourcing and modern flair. The city’s on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail’s B-Line and is the site of the beloved Goettafest. Set against a backdrop of cobbled streets and a restored Mainstrasse Village, Covington combines small-city soul with big character,” Pramik wrote for Food and Wine.
Dan Wohler, communications manager for the city, shared a statement via email from Covington Mayor Ron Washington, which reads: “Visitors from across the country are discovering Covington’s vibrant food and drink scene, a testament to the creativity and dedication of our local small business owners. Covington is a city where you can enjoy ravioli that evokes the flavors of Rome while seated in the charm of a historic German-style neighborhood. We invite you to experience for yourself what makes our city such a unique and compelling destination.”
The top Small US Cities for Food and Drink
The full Food & Wine list of the top small cities in America for dining include:
Asheville, N.C.
Bozeman, Mont.
Burlington, Vt.
Covington, Ky.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Greenville, S.C.
Healdsburg, Calif.
McMinnville, Ore.
Oxford, Miss.
Santa Fe, N.M.
Traverse City, Mich.
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This story was originally published July 2, 2025 at 4:45 AM.