THe RESTAURANT
01
Serving the finest IN CUSINE
Traditional Italian, Kentucky Classics and the best of American Cuisine.. Our approach is to utilize the freshest ingredients and support our community of local growers and producers while providing a memorable dining experience.
02
PRIVATE DINING AND EVENTS
Caproni's on the River is available for private parties of many sizes, and our dedicated private dining team is hand to assist in carefully planning your event. No matter the occasion, we offer a number of settings for a memorable entertaining experience!
03
Located in
HISTORIC MAYSVILLE
Starting back in 1930's as a sandwich shop for railroad workers and travelers, Caps quickly became a favorite in the region! Today diners from across the country seek Caproni's and our river town out for the best dining, art, shopping and history.
Our story begins in a small town
Caproni's has been a Maysville dining tradition since the 1930's as a sandwich shop for railroad workers. But in 1945, Leo Caproni along with his brother Alfred and sister in law Lea Caproni purchased and operated the restaurant for many years. Located beside the Amtrak railroad station and along CSX tracks, overlooking the Ohio River, at the base of what is now Rosemary Clooney Street. A fast freight and passenger train roars by within feet of diners.
In the early years, the railroad station was a source of customers for the restaurant. Alfred and Lea Caproni bought the business in 1953. In 1966, Alfred passed away and Lea decided to remodel the building so that the wall of windows on the north side brought the Ohio River vista to nearly all of the diners. In 1975, writer Billy Reed named Caproni's one of the 10 best places to eat in Kentucky.
Many diners were regulars, including John Skilman, who was involved in the construction of the floodwall which protects the river town. In 1970 he maried the owner, Lea Caproni and together they ran "Caps" until his death in 1987. Lea gave up the business in 1990 and the namesake family was no longer associated with the restaurant.
​
It went throught a succession of owners and was closed when Jerry Lundergan, a Maysville native and nationally known caterer, bought the business in 1999. After extensive remodeling, Caproni's reopened in December of 2000. Over the years many dignitaries have dined there including govenors of Kentucky John Y Brown, Wallace Wilkinson, and Martha Layne Collins, Miss America Heather French, as well as First Lady and Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Caproni's has been a longtime favorite of the Clooney family and has hosted a myrid of movie stars and recording artists.
Steak To perfection AND PASTA LIKE NO OTHER
Lea Caproni brought her famous "secret" recipes to the banks of the Ohio, which origniated from her family home in Barga, Italy. Today we continue her recipes and prepare pasta fresh to order and smother it with goodness and love. Our grills are kept sizzling as we prepare the finest in USDA Prime meats and always select hormone free poultry.
​
​
Have a drink
at the bar
Classic Cocktails and the finest bourbons are featured at our bar which is made from Cherry Wood honed from the hills of Mason County. A glass etching featuring the Simon Kenton Bridge and the downtown skyline offer a picturesque view of the quaint Maysville community.
​
Stop by for Happy Hour or join us for a fine glass of wine, bourbon or cocktail. A relaxing retreat on the banks of the Ohio.
