Gilpin's brings steamy goodness to Downtown

Hot, steamy bagel creations – including breakfast and vegetarian offerings – are now being served up Downtown at Gilpin's Bagel and Deli, 37 E Seventh Street.

Brothers Brad and Patrick Gilpin, who have a combined 11 years of experience in the restaurant industry, searched in Hyde Park, Mount Washington, Mount Adams and Northern Kentucky before settling on a location near the Backstage District.

They were drawn to the daytime activity as well as the lack of quick, in-and-out places for coffee or breakfast.

"On top of that, we're fifteen feet away from the night scene," Brad Gilpin says.  "You've got Lodge Bar, Blackfinn, you've got Bootsy's around the corner.  I know the Righteous Room is coming.  You've got a decent flow of traffic here during the day, and then nighttime.  It's a good location."

According to him, the bagel steaming process is what sets Gilpin's apart.

"We don't bake and we don't toast," Gilpin says.  "Baking and toasting dries out the meats, cheeses, and vegetables and takes away flavoring, whereas steaming brings out the flavoring."

The menu, which also includes wraps, subs, soups, and pre-made salads, is highly flexible.

"If you don't like what you see up here, build your own," Gilpin says.

Gilpin is referring to his six-step ordering process, which is less complicated than it sounds.

The "process" involves choosing one's bagel, meat, cheese, spread, cream cheese, and vegetables.

"I decided to do that because there are times when you go somewhere and it's like, 'Can we get so-and-so, but can you take off the tomatoes and add on this, and maybe add that on the side?'" Gilpin says.

Customers can also name their own creations and post them to a board.  Those that become hot sellers will be graduated to the main menu.

Following a grand opening in the next week or two, Gilpin's will begin offering catering and delivery services and will offer carryout beer and wine.

The upstairs also will be renovated into a casual lounge-style space with televisions and free Wi-Fi, a respite from the hustle and bustle of the street, Gilpin says.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Brad Gilpin, Gilpin's Bagel and Deli