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    The Gruff

    4.1 (414 reviews)
    ModeratePizza, Bars, Delis
    Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Gruff Photos

    Business Info

    THE GRUFF ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Gruff

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    Reviews With Photos

    Inside
    Fred N.

    My wife and I were looking for a place to grab lunch and came across The Gruff. Way more spacious than the pictures led us to believe. We were quickly greeted by our server, Grace, I think was her name. She answered our questions about some of the menu items and provided us with good service. We ordered a couple of ice teas to cool down before ordering food. My wife built her own pizza with only a selection she could come up with. White wine garlic sauce base, broccoli sprouts, bacon and mushrooms. She loved it. I had the rueben which was very good. We will definitely find our way back here again.

    Sharon N.

    We walked across the Blue Bridge and I was so tickled that we were in Ohio one minute and then in Kentucky the next. I really craved a burger so we went here for dinner. Boys split a pepperoni pizza while I enjoyed my burger and tots. Not far at all right after you exit the bridge from Cincy.

    Inside
    Lisa N.

    With milk and tomato allergies makes pizza difficult. Did BYO with garlic sauce, bacon, spinach, mushrooms and brussel sprouts. Because hey why not try brussel sprouts. Delicious. So many combinations available, I'll be back

    Margherita Pizza
    Ally R.

    Needed a quick bite to eat last night and decided on a pizza. We didn't dine in, but there quite a bit of outdoor seating and indoor. When we arrived our pizza was still cooking in the brick oven! Super neat, didn't even realize they had one. Several staff members greeted us and quickly checked on our pizza. It didn't take but maybe 15 minutes from the time we ordered so that was awesome. The pizza was delicious & I even really enjoyed the crust. It was not greasy at all and the cheese was all perfectly melted. I have heard great things about their salads so we will definitely be back. Several TV's above the bar and would be a good place to watch the game.

    Griddled meatloaf sandwich
    Andy S.

    Stopped in prior to the Savannah Bananas game. Seated quickly, server asked if we were going to the game. When we said yes she said she'd let the kitchen know. Ordered some drinks, sorry to say, I've forgotten what drums we ordered. Truly a bummer since everyone seemed to really like what they had!! (Sorry!) One of our party ordered the Margherita pizza. No leftovers there! Very happy with that choice. I ordered the Griddled meatloaf, pickled red onion, melted American cheese and bbq sauce on a griddled sourdough bread. Now, I've considered my wife's meatloaf the best I've had (not just saying that, it's great!) but thus was Real close! A definite repeat order next time. My wife opted for the fried chicken sandwich. She like it a lot. She doesn't remember details about it but she recalls it was hot and very good, so, you'll have to go with that. Location of this place makes it a great place before or after a ballgame downtown. Could get a bit noisy as it has concrete floor, lots of glass and a metal roof. But, I would think after a Reds win, a great place to celebrate ( or, in case of a loss, a great place to commiserate!) When my wife says something on the order of 'we need to eat here again' well ya know we'll be back

    Amazing weekly specials and delicious food!
    Madi S.

    I went to The Gruff for brunch and it was fantastic! I had a mimosa and the sausage sandwich -- absolutely delicious. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on their menu. I've been a few times and the pizzas and fried chicken sandwich are my absolute favorites. That chicken sandwich is the stuff of dreams -- thick, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. The atmosphere is always great, and the food never disappoints. Definitely one of my go-to spots in Covington!

    Kim S.

    I loved the concept of this restaurant with the 3 Billy Goats Gruff at the base of the Roebling Bridge. And I loved the location and the colorful exterior with the goats painted on the building. Unfortunately, I didn't like much once we entered. When we first arrived, even though it wasn't very busy it was pretty loud and then it filled up, including a large group of kids and their families and it got really loud! The metal chairs were super uncomfortable. I ordered apple and bacon pizza and was really disappointed. The apples were sliced paper thin so that you couldn't actually taste them. There was also supposed to be blue cheese on the pizza but I didn't taste that either. I will say that our server did a good job and was friendly but with the other things going against it, I don't think we'll be back.

    Happy hour pitcher deal
    Anna H.

    The wait staff was stellar; recommendations for our group took into account all our requests. Patio service and server adjustment for shade was top-notch. Food choice amazing.

    Goetta Grilled Cheese
    Joyce K.

    When looking for a place to take a last minute group of 8 near the Kentucky Convention Center, we came across The Gruff. It was a 5 min walk away and we were able to be seated outside. I ordered the goetta grilled cheese and the princess peach and although the service was great, the food did come out notably slow. We discovered the goetta is actually a mixture of ground pork and beef, and not cheese like we originally thought. The grilled cheese also had spinach in it which was interesting, but I personally was just hoping for a normal grilled cheese. My friend found a fly in her martini, but they kindly brought out another one. Overall, the Gruff was alright for a casual meal but I don't think I would recommend it or return.

    Margarita pizza on califlower crust.
    Dianna S.

    Great little place. Staff were super nice and attentive. Food was great and didn't have a long wait. Will definitely stop back in.

    Truffle Sausage Pizza
    Christian B.

    A good place to eat! This local restaurant offers a well rounded menu, from pizzas, hot and cold sandwiches. A good salad selection and a kids menu. The selection of local and domestic beers is very nice. The restaurant was clean and offers lots of sitting indoors and outdoors. The staff is friendly and professional. Give it a try and enjoy the food.

    Bar
    Wendy K.

    We received a $10 off meal coupon as a gift and decided to check this place out. We are so glad that we did. First let me share that everything is homemade at this establishment and that makes it extra special for me. Knowing that they take that extra step means a lot. Our server was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. As a teacher it's his second job to help support his family, I appreciated how he made us feel welcomed and how he provided us with insight about the restaurant and their food. Clean, busy and friendly is how I would sum it up. Good food and drinks. We will return too!

    Griddled Meatloaf Sandwich

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    2 years ago

    Atmosphere great ! Service excellent and the brisket pizza was amazing !! Would recommend highly!!

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    4 years ago

    Delicious and consistent. Love all the salads, especially the Brussel sprout and arugula and great selection of beer.

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    4 years ago

    Fantastic brick oven pizza. The broccoli pizza and the sausage truffle were the best.

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    3 years ago

    Their burgers and fries are awesome. It was so good that I've only ever gotten that because I want it every time.

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    Page 4 of 11

    Ask the Community - The Gruff

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    The Gruff - pizza - Updated September 2026

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