October restaurant news: Openings, closings and announcements in Butler County

October saw a mix of restaurant openings, re-openings, closings and announcements for new restaurant options. Here’s a taste of the ever-shifting dining scene.

OPENED: Agave & Rye

Agave & Rye debuted Oct. 27 at 7125 Fountain View Drive in Liberty Twp.’s Liberty Center offering a menu that features 17 “epic” gourmet specialty tacos, seven street tacos, plus a liquor list packed with more than 120 tequilas and bourbons.

Tacos, which are prepared from scratch, use traditional ingredients like ground beef, grilled chicken and pork, along with adventurous fare, such as butter poached lobster with mac ‘n’ cheese and soy and ginger kangaroo tenderloin.

The majority of the tacos are double-shelled with crunchy corn and soft flour and can be ordered with bourbon bacon refried beans, queso or guacamole between the two shells for $1 each.

The new restaurant also offers entree bowls, chips and dips, sides and “street fair,” plus a Liberty Twp.-location exclusive: corn tortilla street tacos made from scratch.

Agave & Rye also offers a selection of beer, wine and craft cocktails. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 1o p.m. Sunday.

MORE: First Ohio location of taco and cocktail restaurant opens at Liberty Center

CLOSED: Troy’s Cafe & Catering

Troy’s Cafe and Catering in West Chester Twp. announced Oct. 25 that it was closing “after 10+ years dedicating hard work and love for food to service the greater Cincinnati area,” according to a post on Facebook.

The business at 4877 Smith Road was founded in 2007 by Chef Troy Meyers, who opened a second location in Mason in 2014. Meyers closed that location in April and announced in August that he would no longer have an ownership interest in the West Chester restaurant.

MORE: Butler County restaurant closes after more than a decade

REOPENED: Gold Star Chili

Gold Star Chili reopened at 3790 Hamilton-Cleves Road in Ross Twp. Oct. 7 following major renovations. The revamped restaurant, which first opened in 1998, features an expanded menu highlighting a slew of new options in addition to Cincinnati chili parlor dishes.

New menu items include grilled-to-order burgers, chicken sandwiches made with Southern-style fried chicken breasts, hand-tossed entree salads, double decker sandwiches, loaded fries and hand-spun milkshakers.

Also part of the renovations are Gold Star’s new brand design in and outside the building.

MORE: New restaurant owner foresees ‘economic nuclear explosion’ in Hamilton

ANNOUNCED: Billy Yanks

It was announced Oct. 17 that Billy Yanks is expected to open at 201 Main St. next spring. It will be run by the Cafeo Hospitality Group, known for Jefferson Social (The Banks Riverfront Entertainment District), Incline Public House (Price Hill), Press on Monmouth (Newport, Kentucky), Somm Wine Bar (Price Hill) and The Bell Event Centre (Over-The-Rhine).

Billy Yanks will offer specialty burgers and a build-your-own custom menu, plus signature mac-and-cheese in a variety of flavor combinations. It also will offer appetizers, desserts, fresh soups, salads and sandwiches.

MORE: Why this vacant Hamilton building will become the city’s latest new restaurant

ANNOUNCED: A Game Knight

We reported Oct. 29 that A Game Knight, which closed in Hamilton’s German Village this summer, plans to relaunch under new ownership this week.

The board game parlor and tavern at 354 S. Third St. will serve a selection of domestic, import and craft beers from 20 taps, as well three nitrous taps serving nitrogeneted beer, according to co-owner D.J. Harper of Hamilton.

A menu to be introduced later this month will feature soups, sandwiches, handmade appetizers, vegan/vegetarian fare and housemade desserts.

The relaunched business will use its stage to highlight local musicians, spoken word, poetry and flow artists, drummers and more.

MORE: A Game Knight planning to reopen soon under new ownership in Hamilton

About the Author