So my boyfriend and I were driving a friend home after a night out and I stated (not to anyone's surprise): "I'm hungry!" For some unknown reason (I think we were an exit or two away) my boyfriend suggested this place. And nearly lost it when both myself and the poor third-wheel-friend looked at him blankly. He acted as though it was the greatest privilege and honor for him to introduce us to this godsend of a diner. This place is the epitome of an old-school diner, ashtrays on each Formica table and all. I half expected to walk in and see my deceased grandmother (God rest her wonderful soul) sitting at the counter with a Diet Coke, a greasy cheeseburger and a cigarette dangling out of her hand. I will admit that I was slightly under the influence of alcohol, so that should be taken into account as I wax poetic about this place. However, we were all starving, and the Coke and grilled cheese I consumed seemed like manna from heaven at that point. I loved the weird clientele and random jukebox picks, could have lived without the blue cloud of cigarette smoke (but then again, it added something to the atmosphere). I will probably not eat here during daylight hours and I most certainly will not bring my mother here. However, it was more than alright in my book. read more

Full disclosure: I have consumed alcohol before. And in quantities sufficient to impair judgment, motor skills, and taste in music. I feel that this distinction qualifies me to review the Anchor, because, let's face it, I have it in common with most of the people who have ever gone there. I will therefore discuss it primarily as the place to which you order your designated driver at the end of the night. This is what Anchor Grill is for, really. You'll notice the other reviewers all commenting on how it's the place to go very, very late at night. What they're all too polite to mention (except Alex--represent, man), and what I will happily attest to in their stead, is that this is because it's the best possible place to weather your drunken stupor. It's open all night, the food is cheap and fantastic, and everybody else there is drunk, too! Really, if I can find fault with this place, it's that it just doesn't market itself correctly. It's all about down-home cookin' and delightfully rustic decor. What they should do is hang a sign outside that says "Anchor: where the party doesn't stop. Ever." There are some snags. For one thing, they don't take anything but cash. Bummer. Also, because it's such a popular hangout after the bars close, expect to wait a while for your food. But come on, the place is essentially a party on a boat (and if you're in the right condition, it even rocks like a boat!). Why rush it? And others have already beaten me to this, but seriously, two words for the first-timers: goetta omelette. read more

This place rocks! I've only ever been when I'm super drunk,so I can't remember how much I've spent, but from what I can recall the food is reasonably priced and at 3 in the morning....you can't beat it. Goetta, eggs, toast bacon, and did I mention goetta? If you've never had it, and you're a resident of the greater Cincinnati area, you gotta try it...and the Anchor Grill is the place to do so. read more

Oh Anchor Grill you are the greasiest of spoons and I love you dearly for it! I used to literally live on the same corner as Anchor. It's a Covington landmark that pretty much everyone knows, and I suppose if you don't know it the giant mural of the boat and anchor on the side of the building probably helps. As their sign decrees upon entrance...they may doze, but they NEVER close! You can go to Anchor at all hours of the day and night. After the bars all close this quaint little diner gets PACKED! The food offerings are about what you would expect...breakfast (including Glier's Goetta), sandwiches, and homemade pie! The pies rotate and are all pretty darn delicious! The interior is covered with anchors of every size, shape and origin. My favorite wacky feature is the option to "Strike Up the Band." If you use the jukebox in the front room you will automatically strike up the band in the first dining room. The band being a small animatronic band with none other than Barbie on lead vocals! They apparently lost the original singer to the set and went ahead and replaced it with Barbie. They dance around and play their little instruments during the duration of the song. I'm like a small child when it comes to this and have to do it every time I'm there. The staff are always really nice (though sometimes very busy). I have had to wait pretty long for my food before, but there's so much atmosphere to look at you really don't even notice. Anchor is one of Covington's greatest little treasures. If you are ever in the area stop in (even if just for a slice of pie). read more

Anchor Grill is definition of a greasy spoon diner. I would give it 4 stars but it doesn't have anything that's outstanding food-wise, they just serve very reliable, inexpensive, delicious diner food. Their goetta is on point & their breakfast wraps are the best breakfast "burritos" I've found in town because they're simply meat, cheese, and eggs! I know we'll be back after church in Sunday's- the ladies are nice & the food is good! read more

It is with great regret that I report the smoking ban has finally arrived at Anchor Grill. I'm not a huge fan of smoking indoors so I should be relieved, but I feel like the Anchor has been robbed of some of its charm. There's nothing like stumbling into Anchor Grill at 2 AM for coffee and second dinner and stumbling out with the smell of smoke and grease soaked into your clothes. It's part of the kitsch - no one expects stellar food (though seriously, nothing soaks up alcohol quite like their hash browns and breakfast sandwiches) but the atmosphere and jukebox puppet show make up for the lack of culinary depth. My favorite moment at the Anchor Grill, pre-smoking ban, was when I approached the counter to pay my bill. The door to the kitchen swung open and standing over the stove was the cook, cigarette in hand. Next to her was...a dog. As the door swung closed, I heard her say to the dog, "Get back in here, you're gonna get us in trouble!" read more

Look up "Dive" in the dictionary. You'll see 2 pictures. One of Thornton Melon performing the ever elusive Triple Lindy off the top board, the other picture will be the front of the Anchor with "We may doze but never close" sign flickering. A true staple in the Covington scene, this place has been serving up goetta and eggs for as long as I can remember. There are so many local politicans that frequent The Grill that the saying is that more legislation has been made at the breakfast bar than in City Hall. And I believe it. Everyone wants to get the goetta omellette but a few things that stand out for me are a bit off the beat. One, the teacher's special. A patty melt sandwich that is a favorite sandwich of local educators (the owner is a public educator from years back, and a terrific woman to boot), this sandwich drips in amazingness and onions. Secondly I get the liver and onions. Not sure why, but this brings me back to my childhood of hanging out at the Grill. True comfort food. Stop in any time of day, they'll be open. I'd give them more stars but the smoking keeps me away. read more

This place is great, I smoked an entire pack of Winston's and ate a goetta omelet with extra goetta. You can drink in the bathroom.

How can one person drop $15 for two grade 'b' eggs, two 1/4 inch thick greasy sausage patties, a dry biscuit and one small sliced potato fried on a flat top with melted cheap cheddar cheese? Prepared by the cashier/cook who handles money and food almost simultaneously. Oh yeah and I had coffee that tasted like brown do-do water with 'Coffee Mate'. What's the world coming to when a dive charges prices more suitable to a slightly upscale diner? If I dine in a dive I trade cleanliness and quality for low-brow hospitality and low prices. Here you get neither. Save your money, save your digestive system and cook at home. read more

Light of Day Review (if you'd like to contrast it with the Dark of Night Review, see below): It's been many, many years since I've eaten at the Anchor during the day but I recently took my bf to the establishment because he had never experienced the place. I did him a great disservice taking him at 11am on a Saturday. The waitress was very pleasant and the service was fast. I had the country fried steak with green beans and hot saw (glad to see it on the menu) and he had the Western omelet. All was good but nothing stood out as particularly satisfying. The decor that I find so charming at 3 am just looks shabby and a tad depressing when the sun's out. BTW, you can still smoke at the Anchor despite the smoking ban in Kenton County. Don't know how that works. read more

My parents have been going to Anchor Grill ever since they started dating almost 30 years ago. They rant and rave about their sign "We may doze, but we never close", and always talk about the little puppet show thing that happens when you put a nickel in. I think nostalgia probably speaks for them. I've been back recently and the place is a dump (which I totally expected, but it was worse than I remember). Granted, I did go at about 9:00pm on a Saturday, so it was an odd time. But the place was empty except for some people I was legitimately afraid of (seriously, some people were actually dressed as zombies at a booth in the other room, and they weren't as creepy as some others in the place). Even though it was empty and EERILY, EERILY quiet (no music, no talking...nothing), our waitress didn't greet us for about 5 minutes and when she did it was obvious that "Service with a Smile" is not her life mantra. Anyway, it took us over 30 minutes (or what felt like it, did I mention how quiet it was?) to get our food: a Goetta omelette and some pancakes + biscuits + bacon. The food didn't disappoint, I recommend the Goetta omelette (Cheesy goodness). But still, nothing about this place made us want to hang around or even come back - ESPECIALLY the smoke. I give this place 3 stars because even though it was a pretty bad experience, it's what you expect from a 24 hr dive diner that's been around for years and years. read more

The Anchor Grill is a 24 hour bastion for late-night drunks craving diner food and lovers of miniature bands that have Barbie's boy Ken as a back up singer. Sure the food isn't that great, and sure it could take you over half an hour to get your food, but the Anchor isn't a restaurant, it's an experience. I've taken many a friend to the Anchor and each one has found something to love about it. The waitresses are very tolerable because even if your group is particularly awful, you know there has been a worse, drunker group to come in and cause a ruckus. It's even more fun to experience sober because you get to take in everything that goes down there. My favorite recent memory is that right now they are having patrons sign a petition to get the city to allow them to have a giant mural of a steamboat painted on the side of the restaurant, as if the Anchor wasn't awesome enough already. read more

Worst of what Covington has to offer. Smoking permitted and encouraged. I'd have been okay with that and gone someplace else, chalking it up to different strokes and freedom of choice if it had been obvious when I walked in. Nope. Misleading signage with a large no smoking symbol followed by small lettering with the exceptions beneath. Apparently they petitioned for a legal waiver during certain hours, which I found out the hard way when the morning hawks pulled out their cigs and ashtrays. If you are a smoker, that might be the only good reason to visit. Everything else about the place ranges from underwhelming to gross. Seedy, leering regulars. Overpriced, under flavored food. Barely coherent menu. Post-apocalyptic decor complete with moldy ceiling tiles, rusty and paint-chipped tacky bric-a-brac. Haggard servers with fake smiles who call you "Hon" but mean "bitch." One star awarded for free parking and because zero isn't an option. read more

Best 24/7 place ever!! The food is amazing! The people are super friendly. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

Had a wonderful breakfast this morning. It's a nice little spot to get a great meal. The staff was wonderful and very friendly. The food was very good. I had a sausage and egg sandwich with a side order of sausage and gravy. My wife had scrambled eggs made fresh from scratch along with bacon and a waffle. The staff was very engaging. Telling us about places to visit and yesterday's baseball game. read more

It's not that great. If your hungover I guess but nothing tastes that great. And its pricey for the dive restaurant it is. Dennys is better.

What can I say? I moved to Covington from Austin, TX a little over a year ago and this is the place where I've eaten the most. It started off as a "southern, home-cooked breakfast" thing but I've learned that everything on the menu is awesome. From the omelettes to the homemade cheesecake, to the fresh cut fries that I can't stop eating... mmmmmmm. Good people, great food, all served up in a location that will take you back to less stressful times. I'll probably head over there right now for an omelette, with a side of biscuits and gravy. You should, too. read more

It's wierd, it's dirty and it's cheap - what could be better????? The food is so bad it's good! I love it - even when I'm not drunk! read more

The Anchor is simply one of the greatest, weirdest diner places that you could ever go to. Try to go at 3am. Make sure to play the jukebox as much as possible, not just because the music is great, but because the stage display is like nothing I've ever seen anywhere, ever. Be nice to everybody. Smile at everybody. The employees are generally nice, but if they've had a bad day, they may be weary. So be nice. Don't be a hipster gawker. Tip well, because the food is so cheap it's hard to believe. The neon sign says it all: "We may doze, but we never close." Get some Goetta. It's a regional delicacy and it's not made of anything horrible. It's just an odd combination of beef, pork and ... oats? Yes, oats. Think of it as a slab of sausage or a burger patty. Long live the Anchor Grill. read more

Every once in awhile (aka weekly for me), a person will get a hankering for a goetta omelette at 3AM. The craving may or may not be alcohol induced, but that's not the point. Living in Cincinnati you realize many things, among them being that a) Cincinnati loves its goetta and b) just about everything in the damn city that sells it closes at 3PM. Anchor is the exception. Easily accessible from downtown Cincinnati, you just have to take the Roebling Bridge down Pike St for about a mile and you'll reach your destination. A no frills joint that's open 24/7 and only takes cash. I like it. My friend Sarah and I sat at a booth, anxiously ready to order goetta. The poor waitress was extremely friendly and personable, but she was definitely stretched thin. I don't think this is an issue they have during the daytime, but at 3AM, you can't really tell if you're going to be busy or not. She was attentive with the water (I didn't realize it was so obvious we needed it?) and got our orders in quickly. Two goetta omelettes with biscuits. YES. The goetta omelette made me all kinds of happy. Melty cheese, my fave breakfast meat all wrapped in an egg blanket? SCORE! I devoured it. If this were a Man vs. Food episode, Man would have annihilated food. The biscuits left a lot to be desired though. While definitely homemade, they were dense and not very tasty. My omelette hit the spot though and I definitely left happy. All in all, it was a good experience and it hit the spot. It's for sure a place to check out for some grub, whenever you need it. read more

Anchor is a product of its environment. And you'll take that to mean something different depending on how familiar you are or aren't with Covington. And I wouldn't be the first person to write a review stating proudly that I haven't been to Anchor before one am, because gosh-durn-it, that's just the kind of place this is. I can only imagine this place is a whole different restaurant by day. So the best I can offer you for a review of the Anchor Grill 1-5 am is that you'll not get much word from the staff unless you're doing something wrong: which is just about as perfect of an attitude to have as you can get. If you don't bother them, they won't bother you. And believe me, they've seen enough late night trouble to earn their surly attitudes. They've dealt with punks like you before. So the staff is awesome, and so is the food. You knew that though, right? Of course you did, because it's impossible to screw up simple foods, and even harder to do so when you've been making the same foods for as long as they have. I've literally had orders ranging from eggs and bacon to fried chicken and salad on the same bill, no biggie. All perfect, all quick, all super-cheap. My final thoughts are that they make some of the best geotta in Cincinnati. They also have the best hangover treatment plan their side of the river, and can win a head-to-head bout of best late-night food with any White Castle you got. Cash only, with an ATM inside. read more

Yes. This is the perfect middle of the night, post drinking, soak it all up hot spot, but the food is also pretty good during the normal part of the day too. In its hay day, the Anchor Grill's "working parts" (the dancing dolls and light show) may have been part of the draw, but with age, comes wear, and though some of the parts may be worn, the grills kitschy one of a kindness still rules here in Covington. The juke box still plays loud and proud, the grill still burns hot and the "diner ladies" who run the joint still give off a friendly yet gruff vibe that only they can pull off. The menu is typical diner food, but also includes goetta, a local favorite. I usually order pancakes, bacon, a coke and a coffee (though my father says that the bean soup is some of the best he's ever had and my niece swears by the french toast). I've frequented in the wee hours of the night, after a few too many, but its also becoming a tradition to enjoy breakfast there with my family during winter break, no matter when you visit, its sure to be an experience. My favorite thing about the Anchor Grill is the ship lamp in the corner booth of the middle room. Make sure to take note and leave your cards at home, the grill is cash only. read more

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Keep in mind, the 5 star rating is only applicable if you are absolutely shitfaced at 3am. This place easily has the best drunk food and atmosphere in the Tri-State area. I highly advise the Brown Gravy Fries with some crispy fried goetta after a hard night of drinking. Their biscuits and gravy are killer as well. They have a good selection of southern favorites and breakfast classics. Everyone can find something to like! The atmosphere doesn't appear to have changed much since the 50s. As far as I know, they have only closed twice in the last 60 years, which is a very impressive streak. The food is closer to 3 stars when sober, but still beats Waffle House. read more

We ate here while on vacation at lakeside two years ago and had the clam chowder and half an order of the tsunami platter. The chowder was awesome. It had a good consistency the right spices and chives!! I love chives. The half order of the tsunami was still HUGE!! I couldn't eat it the whole thing. The breading they used to fry everything was awesome. My favorite part of the plate was the halibut and the calamari. mmmm, very tasty. So you could see that i was excited that i was going to be in the area so i could enjoy another bowl of delicious chowder that i have been dreaming about for the past two years and take on the tsunami platter again, but to my surprise they had closed down... A tear fell from my eye as i stood looking at another name and sadly that venture had closed down as well. So their i was hungry, sad and standing outside an empty building. The Anchor Grill is no more. snifle, snifle. If anybody knows if they moved or simply closed for good. Any info would be appriciated . read more

All right, so I've been to Anchor Grill twice now, and while the first time was quite good, the second time, not so much. I can't give it two stars because the food is exceptional greasy spoon far for super cheap, but I can't give it four because the service is pretty much crap and my friend and I both found hairs in our food at our last visit. Hers was in her goetta, mine was in my sausage. Not cool. I'm also not a fan of the fact that it's cash only--I would go way more often if they took credit cards, but I can understand why they don't. It is, however, one of the few 24-hour diners in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, so it does fulfill a very specific need among night owls who crave omelettes at all hours like yours truly. Will I be back? Probably, not gonna lie. Will I expect decent service? Uh, no. And if I find another hair, me and Anchor Grille are done professionally. read more

I'm not a giant fan, especially at these prices... The location is quaint, but I was getting a bit sea sick... They serve a large portion of the Gliers Geotta, but you do pay for it... The homefries and biscuits are brilliant and your meal portions are healthy, but not as "Homemade" tasting as one would expect... Definitely make your way into the "Window" room as the booths, in the darkened room, are not very accomodating at all, even if you're by yourself... And remember, BRING CASH, it's all they'll take as payment... read more

Love going here. It isn't new or fancy, but I have never had bad service and the food is always consistently very good. I gave it 5/5 stars based on what it is. It isn't fine dining. It is nostalgia. read more

This is the only restaurant I've ever been to that serves what appears to be blue Kool-Aid (hiding under the pseudonym "Raspberry Lemonade"). I took a sip, looked across the table at my mom, and said, eyes wide, "Mom. This is Kool-Aid." Then I cried tears of joy. Oh, and the food's good too. read more

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Delicious greasy food. What awesome experiences I had there as a drunken teenager. Now, I go there for brunch after Mass. It is still as wonderful as ever.... If you like goetta, scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon. Yummo! Don't bring your kids.... Unless you want them to experience more smoke-filled air than anywhere else on the planet. Really, the smoke in there is terrible. Go for the goetta, stay for the experience of the dancing Barbie dolls in the top corner. read more

Loved this little dive. You can sit at the front counter on stationary bar stools or two other dining rooms are available. I got the goetta and cheese omelette. It was very good with plenty of goetta in the omelette. My wife got a burger which was good but the party was pretty thin. I liked the shoestring fries that came with the burger. For dessert we had a shake and an ice cream cone. It was a fun experience. It wasn't crowded at all Friday afternoon. Glad we were there before 4pm when you are allowed to smoke in the restaurant. If you are looking for a traditional "greasy spoon" type place, this is it. Don't expect anything fancy but it's worth the trip and experience. The old style juke box at the tables don't work but the juke box out in the front lobby does. Cash only at this place so be prepared. read more

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Anchor Grill me love you long time. This is a token greasy spoon dive diner that is perfect for the after bar closing place to eat! The prices are always reasonable (cash only) and they even make their own goetta, which is my fave thing to get here in one form or another. Seeing "the band play" is a must part of the experience, look for it. My complaint here is this; the last time I was here, it was maybe 245ish in the morning. It was busy, but nowhere near full. Unfortunately the room we chose to sit in was full of smokers (which is still allowed in the COV). We placed our order pretty quickly and got drinks right away, HOWEVER id say it took close to an hour for our food to come out. I ordered a goetta omelette with a side of hash browns and my friend got some other goetta dish with a side of chocolate chip pancake (so nothing super complicated). It was well after 4am before we left. I could tell the waitress felt bad, but her hands were tied. Hopefully this was an isolated bad weekend and not a trend downward! read more

It's a great classic diner in a really cool small town. The service was great and the prices were reasonable. I will be back. Oh yeah... They are open 24 hours... So that's a bonus. read more

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My meal was so bad I will only ever go back for the home cooked pies.. it is really annoying to sit in cigarette smoke, there were many people smoking. read more

Anchor Grill - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

I have lived in Covington for 5 years now. I've always heard great things about Anchor Grill in that time. I've heard it's a greasy spoon best known for its breakfast and that it's always open. I finally made it in one afternoon with my boyfriend. I was torn by my usual ham and cheese omelette or their specialty, goetta and cheese omelette. In the end I went with ham and got a side of cheesy onion potatoes. It was all amazing. Everything I expected, cheesy, greasy, and cooked well. My boyfriend got the Anchor Burger (I think that's the name) with coleslaw and both were good as well, particularly the coleslaw which was surprisingly fresh and delicious. I will definitely be back the next time I get my greasy breakfast fix on to try the goetta and cheese omelette. read more

The "Mother" of all greasy spoons!!!! What newborn spoons dream of growing up to be.... read more

Anchor Grill - The band .... - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Classic. I used to live around the corner from this place and ate here often enough to be considered a "regular"... It's open 24 hours and has a very old school style. Of course, the dancing dolls that move when you put money into the jukebox, but also the old photographs, awesome nautical decorations, and you can sit at the counter and watch them make your food. The food is typical diner food. Breakfast, meatloaf, soups, salads and really good coffee. I went back while I was in town and noted that now you have to pay first before you get your food, probably because of all the drunks leaving without paying. My favorite time to hit this place up was at 3 AM Halloween night. What a freak show! I love people watching, and this was THE place to do it. I would call in orders of their delicious hash browns.. sigh, I miss this place. If you are just visiting and eat meat, get some goetta. It's a Cincinnati-only meat that mixes pork with grains. My in-laws loved it. I wish I had gotten a picture of their gorgeous mural on the side of their building... A big paddle wheeler! read more

This is kind of a classic place in the area. It's always open (except at 10pm on Christmas, which, okay I understand, we were insane for trying to go I guess) and always ready to serve you food. It is full of random little things like the dancing barbie doll band (my best friend's band was the electrician who wired it which I find enjoyable as I have only ever gone with her), old school video games, and little knick knacks here and there. The food is typical diner food. Good scrambled eggs - just like they should be at a place like this. Hot tea, coffee, coke - and okay service. it's nothing spectacular really, but it shouldn't be. It doesn't need to be. It just is what it is. The food is okay. Come for the random atmosphere and mix of people. It's just worth it to go to this area establishment. read more

Simply impeccable and unmatched vibes. 3am and you're drunk? Anchor grill. 9am after church with the grandparents? Anchor grill. Food is exactly as expected and staff is amazing. Just good vibes all around. read more

Oh Anchor, how many nights have I sat at one of your crappy booths, waiting patiently for coffee so I can sober up enough to go home and ordered twice as much food as I could eat, food I might not touch if I hadn't spent an evening drinking heavily. Anchor has such a long sordid history in late-night Cincinnati that it's almost improbable for someone to come to age here without a shameful story of passing out on the bathroom floor or narrowly avoiding a fight. I ate there only once in the daytime. Aside from the ridiculously affordable greasy food, the anchor also has sullen waitresses on third shift, obnoxious patrons, a mirrored ceiling fixture and a small stage built into the corner that houses a miniature big band that sways to life when the juke box is played. In the place of one of the musicians is a blond Barbie doll. It's hard to tell if the door to the women's restroom locks and I find myself trying not to touch the door handle as I exit (just a paranoid precaution of course). The draw is not only the consistency of the establishment but also the joy of sinking to this particular level of dive restaurant. For an extra special evening visit the Sub Galley on Short Vine for your beverages and make your decent complete. read more

I checked this place out at the recommendation of a friend of mine who just opened a bar right up the street. Not knowing what this place was, we went inside and seated ourselves to see what it was all about. The building itself: It's dated and you can tell it's been there for years. You can smell the age when you walk in- it literally hits you like a ton of bricks. As to be expected with a name of Anchor Grill, the entire place is adorned in nautical and seafaring decorations. I liked the old school charm of this place, not gonna lie. They have old jukeboxes on the wall at each table...unfortunately these no longer work and are just there for decoration. There is a jukebox at the front of the restaurant, and the jukebox itself controls the lighting in the dining area, as well as an old fashioned band box, which was VERY COOL. The food: I got a plain bacon cheeseburger with a side of fries. It was okay, unfortunately it was nothing to write home about but it was serviceable and was enough to hold me over until the next morning. I felt like I got a whole lot less burger and a whole lot more bun. For the price I paid, I was very disappointed. Not happy about that. My one buddy got the pork tenderloin sandwich and it was gigantic. Perhaps I'll try that if I ever go back to the place. My overall impression of the place...it was okay. It's serviceable but nothing spectacular or worth the drive from the other side of town. I might give it another try if I go back down to my buddy's bar sometime soon. I'll definitely give it another chance. If you go, remember that they only take cash...no checks, no plastic, Also remember that "we may dose, but we never close!" read more