When local couple Paul Weckman and Emily Wolff opened Otto’s in 2003, they brought their vision of Kentucky cuisine with a French flair to life in Covington’s historic Mainstrasse Village. 🍳
This family-owned and family-friendly restaurant has gained national acclaim over its 20-plus years, serving authentic Southern-inspired comfort food alongside custom cocktails in an intimate setting that feels like home.
How Otto’s won Covington’s hearts
Otto’s captured the hearts of Northern Kentucky residents by creating an atmosphere that perfectly balances neighborhood comfort with elevated dining — battered wood floors and mismatched chairs meet white tablecloths and fresh flowers.
The owners’ commitment to showcasing seasonal Southern staples like peaches, strawberries, and fried green tomatoes created a menu that changes with Kentucky’s agricultural rhythms while maintaining beloved year-round classics.
Their dedication to professional service and quality in a space adorned with local artwork on beadboard walls and colorful bottles along transom windows made the restaurant feel both polished and authentically Covington.
By offering exceptional brunch service on weekends from 10am to 2pm, they became the go-to destination for locals seeking memorable morning meals in an environment that’s charming, electric, and a little retro. 🌟
Their reasonable brunch prices combined with generous portions and spectacular presentations created value that kept the Greater Cincinnati area coming back weekend after weekend.
Food Highlights
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Otto’s Benedict: The signature cheesey bacon grit cake topped with country ham, spinach, tomato, poached egg, and hollandaise delivers Southern comfort with sophisticated French technique in every bite.
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Lemon Blueberry Pancakes: These buttermilk pancakes arrive as a mountain-high stack topped with mixed-berry compote and house-made whipped cream that’s fluffy as air — consistently described as phenomenal by delighted guests. 🥞
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Famous Cornbread: Served warm with honey rosemary butter, this beloved bread service has achieved legendary status among regulars who can’t resist ordering it every visit.
- Flatbread: The appetizer featuring brie, figs, shaved country ham, microgreens, and local honey perfectly represents Otto’s ability to blend Kentucky ingredients with French-inspired sophistication. 🍯
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Breakfast Casserole: A hearty combination of potatoes, eggs, sausage, artichoke, red peppers, onions, mushrooms, cheddar, and spinach served with spicy sour cream creates the ultimate one-dish brunch experience.
- Tomato Pie: A pie crust filled with tomatoes, basil, and green onion, baked with house cheese blend, and served with a side salad brings savory comfort to weekend brunch menus.
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Avocado Toast: Featuring 16 Bricks eleven-grain toast with smashed avocado, marinated red onion and tomato, and soft-boiled egg, this modern classic gets the Otto’s elevated treatment. 🥑
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BLFGT: This creative twist on the BLT features applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, fried green tomato, cheddar, fried egg, and mayo on a toasted croissant — a Kentucky signature that brings Southern tradition to brunch.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: The thick-sliced green tomato, panko-crusted and fried, served with horseradish ranch has become an Otto’s calling card that guests order as appetizers or enjoy in multiple dishes.
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Chicken Salad Croissant: The housemade chicken salad with candied pecans, lettuce, and tomato on a flaky croissant offers a lighter yet indulgent brunch option that showcases Otto’s scratch-made approach.
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Brie Berry Salad: For brunch guests seeking freshness, the roasted chicken with mixed greens, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, brie and blue cheeses, caramelized pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette delivers a sweet and savory balance. 🫐
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Brussels Sprouts: Even the sides shine with bacon and brown sugar preparation featuring sweet red onion and garlic that converts vegetable skeptics into believers.
- French Toast: Made with 16 Bricks brioche and served with fresh berries, syrup, and whipped cream, this dish showcases premium local bread transformed into decadent breakfast perfection.
Atmosphere
The small, older building on Main Street creates an intimate feeling where every table feels special, enhanced by the charming and electric vibe that makes first-time visitors instant regulars.
Local artwork hangs throughout the space with interesting pieces everywhere you look, creating a cool, slightly retro aesthetic that’s uniquely Mainstrasse Village.
The plush bar seating offers front-row views to the action while the two floors of seating provide options for every dining preference, from casual meals to celebratory gatherings.
Walking into this historic Mainstrasse location feels like coming home to a neighborhood where everybody knows your name and the food always exceeds expectations. ☕
Bottom Line
Visit for the award-winning weekend brunch featuring creative Southern-inspired dishes with French flair, the family-owned warmth that makes every guest feel welcomed, the beautiful location in historic Mainstrasse Village, the reasonable prices paired with generous portions, and the 20-plus years of proven excellence that earned national acclaim. ✨
Address:
521 Main Street, Covington, KY 41011
📞 (859) 491-6678
🕔 Open Tue-Fri 11 AM–9 PM, Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 10 AM–8 PM (closed Mon)