Dine At These 9 Extremely Tiny Restaurants In Kentucky That Are Actually Amazing
If you happen to walk into a place and find minimal seating and a tiny space, don’t assume the worst. A little hole in the wall restaurant can be home to big flavor and great food. We have visited some tiny restaurants in Kentucky, and never left feeling hungry or disappointed in the quality of food received. The old saying, “good things come in small packages” can really ring true when it comes to dining in the Bluegrass State, especially the local restaurants in Kentucky. There are so many options when listing the best tiny restaurants in Kentucky, but these 9 are definitely worth a visit (and are listed in no particular order!).
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
9. Cecconi’s Restaurant at 117 W Main Street in Springfield
The specials are written on the chalkboard with care daily at Springfield’s oldest restaurant. Patron’s have been enjoying the cuisine here since 1937. They still pile in the doors to enjoy fresh roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken, fish and more daily. See more on the restaurant's Facebook page.
8. Cottage Café at 11609 Main Street in Middletown
This cafe has favorites like Hot Brown, Tomato Dill soup, and delicious, deli style sandwiches piled high with ingredients. The food is fixed fresh and tasty, but the desserts are the highlight of every patron’s day. The sweets change day to day, but feature things like a pumpkin praline cheesecake and coconut cream pie. Read even more about this local gem in our previous article.
7. Rick’s Barbecue and More at 5850 US 60 in Ashland
The hickory smoked flavor wafts out the door and into the parking lot to further entice patrons inside. They close by 7 p.m. most days, but that gives people time to make it for dinner. The sides are flavorful and the barbecue itself is what keeps people coming back. The flavors are rich and the meat is so tender it almost melts in your mouth. Learn more about this BBQ joint on its Facebook page.
6. Athenian Grill on 313 S Ashland Avenue in Lexington
You may not be able to turn around, but as long as your utensil can reach your mouth you will be happy here. Athenian is the go to place to get mouthwatering Greek food. The lamb gyro, lemon potatoes, baklava and more are all completely amazing. Find out more about one of the best small restaurants in Kentucky on its Facebook page.
This family friendly restaurant offers specials daily that you’d expect right out of Grandma’s kitchen. They serve up fresh meals like Tenderloins, vegetable soup, cornbread, fresh vegetables and chicken and dumplings. Everything is fresh and though crowded… everyone feels at home. There is a unique section offering a variety of goods apart from the dining area. Read all about it in our previous article.
4. Little Town and Country at 355 US 42 in Bedford
This is a diner style family favorite spot where you can get the greatest burgers in town, a fine country fried steak, and southern breakfasts as they are meant to be. If it is breakfast you want, go for their breakfast bowl, which comes with eggs, hash browns or home fries, a choice of meats and biscuits with gravy. See more of this delicious spot on its Facebook page.
3. Cunningham’s Creekside at 6301 River Road in Prospect
We all get a craving for Mexican food, and though El Taco Luchador is small, it gives customers big flavors in every bite. It is not unusual to see a crowd, and once you get your food you will understand why. This little place is big on variety, offering tacos most people have never even heard of. You will find yourself discovering new favorites every time you visit. See more of this tiny taco shop in our previous article.
This is a special little place perfect for the meat lover’s, vegetarians and vegans of Covington. Piper’s offers some wonderful meat dishes, like the Cajun Beef and Andouille sandwith and local chicken sandwich. The Vegetarian menu offers things like the Ac/Pc Well Grounded sandwich. It contains sprouts, cucumbers, peppers, red cabbage, asparagus pesto and bean spread, but they have many other options. Learn more about this Covington hidden gem on its Facebook page.
Some of the best restaurants in Kentucky are the small, local gems that can only fit a few diners at a time. Sometimes it is worth the wait in a tiny Kentucky restaurant, even when seating is minimal. In most cases, if there is a line, or the dining area is full, the food will be worth the effort. Some of our best meals have been in these local hidden gems. What are your favorite tiny restaurants in Kentucky? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Address: 117 W Main St, Springfield, KY 40069, USA
Address: 11609 Main St, Middletown, KY 40243, USA
Address: 5850 US-60, Ashland, KY 41102, USA
Address: 313 S Ashland Ave, Lexington, KY 40502, USA
Address: 119 Metker Trail, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
Address: 355 US-42, Bedford, KY 40006, USA
Address: 6301 River Rd, Prospect, KY 40059, USA
Address: 112 Meridian Ave, Louisville, KY 40207, USA
Address: 520 W 6th St, Covington, KY 41011, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
tiny restaurants in Kentucky
January 27, 2020
Andrea Limke
Are there other small restaurants in Kentucky worth trying?
Of course! While this list of 9 of the best small restaurants in Kentucky highlights some of the favorites, there are so many more eateries throughout the Bluegrass State that are tiny, but mighty. Many of these dining destinations can be found in our small towns that often offer an array of local gems, from a classic diner to a walk-up hot dog stand. If you’re from a small town in Kentucky, then you can likely name a few from your own hometown. If you need a few suggestions, then check out this list of 7 of the best small town restaurants in Kentucky.
What are the best restaurants in Kentucky?
Choosing the absolute best restaurants in Kentucky is not an easy task because this is obviously an opinion-based question. Your definition of the best restaurant may not be the same as your fellow Kentuckian standing next to you. In fact, it’s likely very different. While more casual, mom & pop restaurants tend to be considered as favorites with the best comfort food, there’s something to be said for a fancy, fine dining experience with locally sourced, intricate menus. But one thing that can be said for sure is that Kentucky has the restaurant, menu, and atmosphere you are looking for. To get started in your quest for what you believe to be the best, take a look at our restaurant-focused articles on Only In Kentucky.
What are the favorite local restaurants in Kentucky?
The Bluegrass State does offer many chain restaurants and several of them do have delicious food. But of course we happen to think that our local gems tend to edge these eateries out in terms of character, quality, and overall atmosphere. Plus, if you are going to eat out, you may as well support a fellow local! For some of the best and most famous local restaurants in Kentucky, check out 11 of them that are worth waiting in line to try.
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
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