Ever since I’ve been preggo, and especially now that I’m home with the baby a lot, I’ve been relaxing and watching more TV lately. I’ve noticed that there have been a TON of local restaurants recently featured on some of my fav foodie TV shows!
I know Guy Fieri just visited OTR for his “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” show and the Lachey brothers are opening an OTR bar on A&E … but there are three hidden gems located about 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, just across the Ohio River in Dearborn County, Southeast Indiana, that have been featured recently too!
What I love about them is that they’re not chains, not fast food, no celebrity backing them – they’re just small businesses making fresh food their way. 🙂
Howie’s Diner, Lawrenceburg
Family owned since 1961, stepping into Howie’s Diner, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1950s. Fresh “never frozen” meats, homemade desserts, home cooking – “serving great food 24/7.” Tucked away inside the Marathon gas station at Kennett’s Truck Stop.
Try one of their breakfast specials, including a Howie’s favorite, Hoosier Eggs Benedict: A scrambled egg and two sausage patties on a fresh biscuit topped with sausage gravy.
Got a big appetite? The Big Howie (named after the original owner, Howard Kennett), features two juicy beef patties and cheese with tartar sauce, lettuce, onions, tomato and pickles with fries and slaw.
Contact Info: Kennett’s Truck Stop, US 50 & I-275, Lawrenceburg, IN 47250 (for GPS, it’s Greendale), 812-537-0313
Greystone Farm, Lawrenceburg
If you’re a farm to table fan, you’ll want to stock up at Greystone Farm. That’s because this family-owned farm offers everything you need to eat fresh, including high quality and locally-grown produce, farm-raised freezer beef and free-range whole chickens, brown eggs, honey, homegrown tomatoes, peppers, beans, zucchini, cucumbers, squash, melons, sweet corn and more. Located in a picturesque setting, it’s a great day trip for families and foodies alike.
Contact Info: 15412 Wilson Creek Road, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025, 812-926-2132. Open 6 days a week in Peak Season – Tues-Sun (closed Mondays). Call or check their Facebook page for hours.
Great Crescent Brewery, Aurora
Kick back and relax in the spacious historic setting of Great Crescent Brewery and discover what’s brewing in downtown Aurora. In the mid-19th century, the Gaff brothers of Aurora (one of whom owned the stately Hillforest) launched a beer-making enterprise they dubbed the Crescent Brewery, which over the next 16 years enjoyed a national presence, particularly in the South. Now, Great Crescent Brewery in downtown Aurora continues that tradition, with handcrafted beers and ales, house-smoked meat sandwiches, beer samplers and an on-site Artisan Center for shopping.
Whether you’re in the mood for their classic Aurora Lager, local favorite Coconut Porter, or a rich and hearty stout, you’ll find a large selection of artisanal beers on tap in the onsite Taproom. Tours of the brewery with the Great Crescent brewmaster can also be scheduled for a $5 per person fee.
Contact Info: 315 Importing Street, Aurora, IN 812-655-2435