Cincinnati and Covington are building some big things right now — new bridges, new highways, a lot of orange cones. None of it touches our block.

Carmelo’s is at 434 Madison Ave., Covington — same corner, same table, same Sunday sauce. The only thing that’s changed is the last mile. Here’s the easy way in, wherever you’re coming from.

Coming from Cincinnati

The simple way: take the Roebling Suspension Bridge straight into Covington. It drops you two blocks from Madison Ave. — you can practically smell the garlic from the bridge.

By highway: I-71/75 South across the Brent Spence Bridge, then the 5th Street exit. Madison Ave. is a few blocks east; we’re between 4th and 5th.

Coming from Newport, Bellevue, or Dayton

The 4th Street Bridge over the Licking River is closed for replacement until 2028. Take the 11th Street Bridge (the Girl Scout Bridge) instead, then head north on Madison Ave. It adds about five minutes — we promise the meatballs are worth it.

Prefer to skip driving? The free Licking River Link shuttle runs between Newport and Covington every 30 minutes, seven days a week.

Coming from the south (Northern Kentucky)

I-71/75 North to the 5th Street exit in Covington. (The 12th Street exit is closed for construction through 2027.) From 5th, head east to Madison Ave.

One more tip: highway ramps in Covington are shifting as construction progresses. Your GPS knows the latest — put in “Carmelo’s Covington” and trust it over old habits.

Parking

Street parking is available on and around Madison Ave. Closest garages and lots: Midtown Garage (25 E. 5th St., about a block away), Kenton County Garage (220 Madison Ave., two blocks north), and the metered lot at 425 Madison Ave., directly across the street.

Need a hand? Call us at (859) 287-4700 and we’ll talk you in.