It’s important to have a good “third place” on deck—that is, a place where you can hang out that isn’t home or work, where you can meet someone, read a book, or just take a break. So when Landlocked Social House closed last fall, Walnut Hills felt the loss.
But the tidy storefront didn’t sit empty for long. Owners Elizabeth and Keith Coombs opened The Fix Coffeehouse & Bar on January 4 and have revived the coffee bar scene on this stretch of East McMillan Street. Keith, a former general manager for Coffee Emporium, was a fan of Landlocked, and feels connected to Walnut Hills and the community around it. “Landlocked created a space for people to gather around common interests,” says Keith. “We hope to continue that.”
The block is forming its own little business district: Across the street is The Pickled Pig, which turns out smoked meats, a menu of sandwiches and soups, and 11 kinds of fermented vegetables, from kimchi to kraut. Next door is the acclaimed White Whale Tattoo, specializing in intricate, scrimshaw-inspired line work. And now The Fix adds its stock of Coffee Emporium coffee and other treats, local and regional beer, and baked goods from Rose&Mary Bakery of Newport’s Incubator Kitchen Collective.
The Coombses want to keep The Fix’s offerings as fresh as possible, launching new breakfast and lunch menus this month. Look for breakfast sandwiches and yogurt parfaits in the morning and lunchtime sandwiches like turkey swiss with spicy mayonnaise on Allez Bakery sourdough and a vegetarian pesto caprese sandwich. Evening hours will feature appetizers and snacks to go with The Fix’s full bar.
“We’re already seeing a lot of regulars coming in. The neighborhood has really embraced us,” Keith says.
And when the weather turns warm, The Fix will head outside: “We plan to do some work in our beer garden out back, to revamp that and bring life to it,” he says. “We hope to host events like tap takeovers and possibly some entertainment.”
The Fix is open Mon 6:30 am–3 pm; Tues–Thurs 6:30 am–10 pm; Sat 8 am–11 pm; Sun 8 am–2 pm.
The Fix Coffeehouse & Bar, 648 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, (513) 620-7076
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