Chez Nora

Hours of Operation

Located just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio in Covington, Kentucky, Chez Nora is a cornerstone of MainStrasse Village. "The Village", as many locals call it, is a unique mixture of shops, restaurants, pubs, businesses and residents in the historic setting of an old German village. A tri-state hotspot all year long, MainStrasse is also home to some of Kentucky's most popular festivals and events.

With a fantastic 100-year-old mahogany bar, Chez Nora has been around longer than May of 1994 when Jimmy and Pati Gilliece purchased it from the previous owner, the legendary restauranteur Nora Dempsey. So yes, there really is a Nora. The desire to spend more time together led stand-up comedian Jimmy and his wife to put his act aside and go into the restaurant business. Through a series of gradual changes and renovations, Chez Nora continues to serve MainStrasse Village and its many regular patrons with everything they could ask for... and more.

"The changes happened slowly to keep the come-as-you-are feeling. With our expanded menu, you can come in wearing a suit and order filet mignon or Ahi Tuna, or drop by in shorts and a T-shirt for a hamburger or quesadilla", says Pati, who is still responsible for the menu and kitchen activities. From "Steak Nora" to the many "Sammichez" offerings, the menu keeps up with the many additions and renovations to Chez Nora.

An expanded kitchen in 1997-1998 was followed shortly by the demolition and reconstruction of the adjoining building which added a 60 seat non-smoking dining room, 70 seat banquet room on the second floor, and a stunning rooftop terrace with a view of the Cincinnati Skyline. The smooth sounds of live jazz float out to this rooftop getaway from the jazz bar located in the third floor of the original building.

What's next?... Stop by and find out for yourself. You'll be glad you did.