7 Exceptional Kentucky Restaurants To Try When You’re Dining Out On A Budget
Nothing beats a hot, home-cooked meal… except perhaps a hot, home-cooked meal prepared by someone else. Whether you’re in need of a break from the kitchen, scrambling to throw together a last-minute dinner, or in the mood for a night on the town, dining out is always a delightful — and delicious — experience in Kentucky. And the best part? Many of the state’s most beloved, unique, and exceptional restaurants are also easy on the wallet. Behold: seven superlative restaurants to try when dining on a budget in Kentucky.
Starnes Barbecue, 1008 Joe Clifton Dr, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
A Paducah institution, Starnes has been dishing up delicious, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue since the 1950s. This unassuming little spot is a fan favorite for its legendary, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue that's swimming in irresistible, sticky-sweet sauce. The prices here are as good as it gets, too; sandwiches, sides, and drinks are just a few bucks each!
Lighthouse Restaurant, 1500 Sulphur Well Knob Lick Rd, Sulphur Well Historic District, KY 42129, USA
When the craving strikes for a big ‘ole plate of comfort food in Kentucky, there’s only one option: the Lighthouse Restaurant in Sulphur Well. This unassuming little restaurant has been voted Kentucky Living's "Best Down-Home Restaurant" for several years running -- and once you visit, you'll know why. Epic platters full of endless Southern favorites are priced between $8 and $13, and the portions are just as generous as what Grandma would serve for Sunday supper.
Shirley Maes Cafe, South Clay Street, Louisville, KY, USA
Located in a quaint brick building on the corner of Clay & Lampton Streets in downtown Louisville, Shirley Mae's Cafe has been serving up the best Southern soul food in the Bluegrass for over 30 years -- and believe us when we say, it's some of the best fried chicken around. Order the Shirley Mae’s Chicken Wing lunch special for just $12, which features three pieces of perfectly fried chicken, two sides, and Shirley Mae’s world-famous Hot Water Cornbread, and prepare to be in total Southern-fried food heaven.
Bread of Life Cafe, U.S. 127, Liberty, KY, USA
Hearty and comforting, there’s nothing quite like a proper, sit-down Amish meal, and there’s one all-you-can-eat Amish buffet in Kentucky where you can get your fill of this incomparable country cuisine: Bread of Life Cafe. Buffets are the name of the game here, with offerings varying by daily. We're partial to the breakfast buffet, which features potatoes, bacon, biscuits and gravy, eggs every which way, sausage, and more. The best part? The prices here are ridiculously reasonable, so you can fill your stomach without emptying your wallet.
Parkette Drive-In, East New Circle Road, Lexington, KY, USA
In Lexington, there’s a roadside hamburger hut that can only be described as hamburger heaven, and that’s the Parkette Drive-In. Whatever your carnivorous craving is, this place has you covered: The Parkette Premium Poor Boy is a fan favorite, as are the Hot Brown and T-Bird Breakfast burgers. Oh, and did we mention that all of the above beauties are just $7.99? We're sold!
Old Hickory Bar-B-Que, 338 Washington Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301, USA
When you’re hungry for barbecue in the Bluegrass, there are numerous reputable restaurants where you can certainly get your fill of this Southern specialty. But there’s only one place that’s hailed as the “world’s best barbecue” in Kentucky, and that’s Old Hickory Bar-B-Q. This long-time spot has been serving the same, soul-filling, delicious BBQ for generations, and certainly lives up to their bold barbecue claim. The slow-smoked mutton here is legendary, and you can grab a sliced mutton sandwich for just $6.25 -- it's 50 cents extra if you want it hot "off the pit," and we definitely think that's a splurge-worthy addition!
Boonedogs Bar & Restaurant, 5902 Old Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40515, USA
If you're craving a hot dog in a big way, head to Boonedogs in Lexington. Hot dog heaven awaits within this humble little spot, where, for only $9, you can have the foot-long 'dog of your dreams.
So the next time you find yourself dining on a budget in Kentucky, check out one of these amazing eateries, sure to satisfy whatever you’re craving!
Looking for more superb spots to dine in the Bluegrass? These hole-in-the-wall barbecue joints are beckoning…
Address: Starnes Barbecue, 1008 Joe Clifton Dr, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
Address: Lighthouse Restaurant, 1500 Sulphur Well Knob Lick Rd, Sulphur Well Historic District, KY 42129, USA
Address: Shirley Maes Cafe, South Clay Street, Louisville, KY, USA
Address: Bread of Life Cafe, U.S. 127, Liberty, KY, USA
Address: Parkette Drive-In, East New Circle Road, Lexington, KY, USA
Address: Boonedogs Bar & Restaurant, 5902 Old Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40515, USA
Address: Old Hickory Bar-B-Que, 338 Washington Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301, USA