North Kentucky News

Herb & Thelma's Tavern, an establishment where "Cash is King," features an ATM Confessional for patrons to withdraw cash. The tavern recently received the City's Authenti-CITY award from Covington Business Retention & Expansion Specialist Patrick Duffy.

This recognition marks the fifth of five articles announcing the winners of the 2024 Authenti-CITY awards, presented by the City of Covington last Friday in celebration of National Economic Development Week.

Situated in Covington, Kentucky, Herb & Thelma’s Tavern is renowned for its well-priced lunches and was officially declared as home to “Cincinnati’s Favorite Burger” last year. However, this 84-year-old establishment does not accept credit cards or digital payment apps like Venmo. Instead, patrons are directed to the ATM Confessional for cash withdrawals.

The ATM Confessional houses a bank ATM within a genuine confessional booth. As long as your bank account is in good standing, it will dispense cash. As stated by a sign at Herb & Thelma’s, “Cash is King,” a principle upheld since 1939 when Henry and Marie Boehmker first opened their café at 718 Pike St. in the Lewisburg neighborhood.

The café changed hands several times over the years but has always remained true to its roots. Even today, Herbert “Chip” Boehmker can be found behind the counter serving up burgers just like old times.

Covington Business Retention & Expansion Specialist Patrick Duffy encourages visitors to appreciate the history on display at Herb & Thelma's and reminds them not to forget their cash.

The Authenti-CITY awards were introduced by Covington’s Economic Development team in 2021 as a unique way to celebrate National Economic Development Week. The awards aim to recognize businesses, places, events, people and organizations that most authentically represent Covington without any specific rules or criteria.