2 weeks Ago By Maria Hehman
This story originally appeared in the April 25, 2025, edition of the LINK Reader. To get stories like this first, subscribe here. In this week’s Streetscapes, we venture to Villa Hills for coffee flights, pressed paninis, fresh produce, and a brand new restaurant with American food and an elevated atmosphere.
Villa Mocha Villa Mocha coffee shop was created by a husband and wife looking to bring a local coffee shop to the people of Villa Hills. Villa Hills may be surrounded by restaurants, but many are chains, so this local coffee shop was a pleasant surprise. Its coffee options include espresso drinks, drip options and blended options, as well as a variety of tea.
Among the more unusual menu offerings are coffee flights – four slightly larger than sample size lattes, perfect for the person who wants a taste of everything. Flights rotate with the season and can be customized with the guest’s milk of choice. For food there are plenty of baked goods, and each Friday is Pie Day, when Villa Mocha serves up slices of quiche and pie from local bakers.
The interior is colorful and homey, with plenty of spaces for first dates, catching up with friends, kids playing and students doing work. Seating is mixed – barstools, tables and even old church pews – to ensure every guest has a seat that appeals. Kremer’s Market Half market, half deli and home to some of the tastiest sandwiches in NKY, Kremer’s Market has a little slice of everything.
It carries an abundance of fresh produce along with pantry essentials, making it a quick stop without the hassle of a larger grocery store. Kremer’s deli section is one of the best not-so-hidden gems, featuring daily rotating lunches and dinners with items like meatball subs and chicken alfredo pasta. In addition, the core sandwich menu includes breakfast sandwiches, signature sandwiches and pressed paninis.
The paninis run $6 or less and come in a variety of options. For a fresh and light lunch, the Mediterranean is a great option, while the Red Barn Classic with Kremer’s baked ham, apricot glaze and gruyere cheese creates a perfect blend of savory and sweet. Other options include salad bar and soup offerings, and grab and go options for any time of the day.
And if you thought it couldn’t get any better, Kremer’s also has desserts from Servatii’s and the BonBonerie. Sanctuary Social The newest addition to the Villa Hills, Sanctuary Social, has been living up to its name since its opening. It offers brunch, lunch and dinner and is an all-occasion destination.
Its interior is modern and elevated, making for a cozy date night spot, but not so fancy that it would deter from a casual lunch with friends. The expansive menu covers mostly American dishes with nods to other cuisines, but with options for all. Brunch includes options of a breakfast bowl with potatoes, sausage gravy, cheddar cheese, scallions and the choice of brisket or bacon.
For a sweet start there are Belgian waffles with strawberries, powdered sugar and maple syrup or cinnamon swirl waffles. Brunch is never complete without coffee or a cocktail, and Sanctuary Social has both. Lunch and dinner highlights include flatbreads and tacos along with sandwiches and salads.
The Cuban flatbread or Alabama White Chicken Sammie are great, flavorful choices and are just the beginning of the possibilities. As if there needed to be another reason to visit, I’ll give you three: full bar offerings, live music and a patio. A trifecta for the warm days ahead.
What To Know If You Go Villa Mocha Location: 2809 Amsterdam Road, Villa Hills Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.
m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.
m.-2 p.m.
Phone: 859-360-5497 Sanctuary Social Location: 1090 Walburg Ave, Villa Hills Hours: Monday, 3-8:30 p.m.; Tuesday-Wednesday, 11 a.
m.-9 p.m.
; Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.
m.; Friday, 11 a.m.
- 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.
m.-11 p.m.
; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.
m. Website : sanctuary-social.com Phone: 859-331-0715 Kremer’s Market Location: 755 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.
m.-7 p.m.
; Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.
m. Website: kremersmarket.com Phone: 859-341-1067 Local stories matter.
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