Kentucky is known for many things, including unbelievably delicious food. Of all the incredible dishes that are served across the Bluegrass State, we are probably best known for one thing in particular – Kentucky Fried Chicken. Maybe it’s the fact that the name of the restaurant includes the name of our state, or maybe it’s just that the chicken really is that good. But Kentucky is known as the birthplace of this savory dish and the restaurant where it all began is our most famous restaurant. Sanders Cafe in Corbin is a restaurant, a museum, and more, so come inside and take a look.

Sanders Cafe is located in Corbin, Kentucky, right across the street from the spot Harland Sanders began making his famous secret recipe fried chicken.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Flickr/Joel Kramer
The area is known as the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken, as Colonel Sanders first served his mouthwatering chicken from his own dining room table across the street from the current Cafe.
In 1937, Sanders opened his original restaurant, which sadly caught fire two years later. The restaurant and an adjoining motel were built and they reopened in 1940.
Flickr/Jonathan Abourbih
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Today, you can still visit this original KFC and even have a seat with the Colonel himself. The Cafe is both a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, as well as a museum featuring the history of the popular food chain.

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The majority of the museum is adjacent to the restaurant, so you can easily have an all encompassing experience.
Flickr/Joel Kramer
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Browse old photos and write ups, artifacts from the early days, and tables, chairs, and dining pieces that were used near the start of the restaurant.
The Cafe today remains timeless and definitely takes you back to a different era. It surely has a different feel than other KFC locations.
TripAdvisor/JLantern3
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
And of course, you have to indulge in some Original Recipe or Extra Crispy pieces, along with the famous mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits. Dining where it all started is a true Kentucky tradition.
Despite how you feel about KFC's chicken or the chain as a whole, you have to admit it is a part of our state's history.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Sanders Cafe stands as a museum of Kentucky's most famous food and cook, and is worth a visit for locals, visitors, and especially fried chicken enthusiasts.

Sanders Cafe is a classic dining destination in Kentucky that’s well known even outside of our state borders. Have you eaten at the original KFC? Share your experience with us in the comments!

Sanders Cafe is located at 688 US Highway 25 W. Corbin, KY 40701. The restaurant and museum are open everyday from 10am to 9pm.

And for more restaurants in Kentucky that define our state, check out our previous article here.

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