LOCAL PLACES TO EAT NEAR ALCON

This list is provided as a resource for close-by places to eat, but by no means is a complete list of places we would recommend you try while in Cincinnati

All the places listed below are 0.3 miles or less from The Marriott. For restaurants farther out or for specific tastes, look at page 20 in your ALCON 2026 Official Program, or see the Hospitality desk for recommendations

And look for this tag to see if they serve breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

All links to the restaurant websites will open in a new web browser window.

Also, if you’re not from Cincinnati be sure to give Cincinnati chili a try while you’re in town. Read all about it in our Cincinnati Chili 101 Guide.

Marriott Rivercenter Convenience Store

Grab & Go Snacks, beverages, and packaged sandwiches

Inside the Marriott
10 W Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011


Website: NONE
Hours: 24hours

Mash & Oak

A wide variety from breakfast and lunch to happy hour, dinner, and late night bites

Inside the Marriott
10 W Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011


Website: https://www.mashandoak.com/


Hours: 6:30am-11:00pm

Reservations: NO

Butlers Pantry Market and Cafe

Airy venue offering breakfast & lunch, plus a market with smoothies, quick bites & open-air dining.

2 minute walk
50 E Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011


Website: https://butlerspantrymarket.com/

Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:00pm             
Closed Sat & Sun

Reservations: NO

Demetrios

Breakfast Anytime, Double Deckers, Gyros, Chili, Cheese Coneys, Burgers, Gravy Cheese Fries, Salads, Wings

3 minute walk
50 E Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011
(in the lobby of RiverCenter Tower)


Website: eatdemetrios.com

Daily, 7:00am-4:00pm          

Reservations: NO

The Gruff

Neapolitan-style pies, sandwiches & craft brews round out the menu at this minimalist, airy outpost.

4 minute walk
129 E 2nd St, Covington, KY 41011


Website: atthegruff.com


Mon-Thurs, 11:00am-10:00pm
Fri, 11:00am-11:00pm
Sat, 10:00am-11:00pm
Sun, 10:00am-2:00pm        

Reservations: NO

Governors House Wine Bar & Italian Kitchen

Traditional cuisine from the Mediterranean region

7 minute walk
129 E 2nd St, Covington, KY 41011


Website: https://governorshouse.wine/our-history-1


Mon-Thurs, 4:00am-10:00pm
Fri-Sat, 4:00pm-11:00pm
Closed Sun-Mon    

Reservations: YES

Carmelo's

A new celebration of Italian-American flavor: the most beloved tastes of the old world, reimagined with modern techniques and sensational ingredients.

7 minute walk
434 Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41011

Website: https://www.eatatcarmelos.com/

Sun-Thurs, 4:00pm-9:00pm
Fri-Sat, 4:00pm-10:00pm


Reservations: YES

Thai Pavilion

Authentic Thai cuisine

7 minute walk
405 Scott St, Covington, KY 41011

Website: https://www.thaipavilionky.com/

Tues-Thurs, 11:00am-2:30pm, 4:30pm-9:30pm                        
Fri, 11:00am-10:00pm                     
Sat, 12:00pm-10:00pm            
Sun, 12:00pm-9:00pm              
Closed Mon


Reservations: NO

Smoke Justis

Multilevel sports bar offering smoked meats, craft beers, numerous whiskeys, games & live music.
** ALCON 2026 Planning Committee recommendation

7 minute walk
302 Court St, Covington, KY 41011


Website: https://www.smokejustis.com/

Mon-Thurs, 11:00am-11:00pm                   
Fri, 11:00am-1:00am                     
Sat, 10:00am-1:00am            
Sun, 10:00am-11:00pm


Reservations: YES

Molly Malone's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Classic pub fare & lots of beers amid live music & game-watching

8 minute walk
112 E 4th St, Covington, KY 41011


Website: https://mollymalonesirishpub.com/covington/

Mon-Fri, 11:00am-11:00pm                
Sat-Sun, 10:00am-11:00pm


Reservations: NO

Blinker's Tavern


Cozy choice for steaks, seafood, burgers & pasta with a happy hour scene & two outdoor patios.

8 minute walk
318 Greenup St, Covington, KY 41011


Website: http://blinkerstavern.com/

Mon-Thurs, 10:30am-10:00pm                   
Fri, 10:30am-11:00pm                     
Sat, 10:00am-11:00pm            
Sun, 10:00am-9:00pm


Reservations: YES

By Golly's Bar and Grill


Handcrafted burgers, crispy chicken wings, and our famous hand-cut waffle fries, each made with love and a dash of hometown pride.

8 minute walk
313 Greenup St, Covington, KY 41011


Website: https://bygollys.com/

Mon-Thurs, 11:00am-9:00pm                   
Fri, 11:30am-10:00pm                     
Sat, 10:00am-10:00pm            
Sun, 10:00am-9:00pm


Reservations: YES

6 N The Mornin (new!)


Breakfast / brunch with pancakes, french toasts, chicken and waffles, breakfast bowls omellettes, some items with a cajun twist.

2 minute walk
50 E Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011


Website: http://6nthemornin.com/


Mon-Tues, CLOSED                   
Wed -Thurs, 9:00am-8:00pm                     
Fri-Sun, 8:00am-9:00pm    


Reservations: YES