Unique Restaurants, Shopping at Newport on the Levee
The cuisine offered by the Levee’s various restaurants runs the spectrum from Oriental and sushi to Irish pub style with everything in between. One of my favorite places is the Claddaugh Pub. It features three distinctive dining rooms. One is decorated in the old English tradition with shiny finished wood tables and beautifully cushioned chairs. It has a more formal atmosphere than the other two. The second dining room is reminiscent of an Irish castle. The floor, walls, and fireplace are constructed from gray stones. In the center of the fireplace is an elaborate candelabra with several lit pillar candles. Black wrought iron accents add a gothic charm. The last room is a fun, casual place to meet friends for dinner or a drink. It is styled after an Irish country pub. The bar in this room is designed to resemble a fishing boat. The food is a can’t miss especially if you’re hungry. Portions are large and the fish and chips are the best around.
Another one of the excellent restaurants is Cafe Istanbul. They prepare an amazing assortment of Turkish cuisine. The dining room has a formal feel, the service is impeccable, and the food is fresh and delicious. Cafe Istanbul also has an outdoor patio for dining outside. Highly recommended is the dessert selection. They may be unfamiliar to the American palate, but these people know what they are doing when it comes to a fabulous finish to a perfect meal.
In light of the current situation in New Orleans, I can’t resist mentioning Fat Fish Blue. It’s Mardi Gras everyday here. The large dining area boasts regular tables, bar seating, and an impressive stage for local blues and jazz bands to perform. Every table comes equipped with beads and special surprise wrapped in the silverware. The food is in the classic Cajun tradition with soft shell crabs, pulled pork, gumbo, and jambalaya. The hurricanes are icy and come in several flavors to choose from. Mint julips, a Kentucky favorite, are also on the menu. If you’re in to Southern comfort finish off your visit with bread pudding. Considering a serving is about the size of your hand, make sure someone else wants to share before ordering. Now, that’s comfort.
Those are only the beginning of the culinary delights at Newport on the Levee. For example, Brio’s is the resident Italian bistro. Aoi is Japanese; the Bamboo Club is an Oriental/Polynesian fusion. Bar Louie’s has taven style food and is known for their distinctive martini selection. Dewey’s Pizza has wonderful pizza with your choice of traditional or Alfredo sauces. If you’re looking for a burger and milkshake, Johnny Rocket’s is the place to go. The Cold Stone Creamery is ideal for a large variety of ice cream with your favorite toppings mixed in to order.
Luckily, after eating your fill at one of the excellent restaurants, the Levee offers plenty of activities to work off some of the calorie count. The biggest attraction is the Newport Aquarium. It has an impressive display of marine animals and some interactive features. The aquarium is a great place for families or the animal enthusiast. There is also a two story Barnes and Nobles store with a complete Starbucks and activities for children planned frequently. AMC Movie Theater has auditorium seating. Parking is validated with your movie ticket. Gameworks is an adult playground with state of the art gaming systems. If a walk is what you had in mind, the Purple People Bridge links Newport with Cincinnati. It’s the perfect place for a stroll across the river. Benches and flowering pots make it pleasant to sit and chat with friends.
The city of Newport should be proud of their accomplishment. They have taken a formerly crime ridden area and turned it into a thriving compound of safe fun for all ages. Newport on the Levee is a tremendous addition to the Greater Cincinnati region.
