11 Famous Restaurants In Kentucky That Are So Worth Waiting In Line For
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Andrea Limke
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Kentucky has so many incredible restaurants that it would be impossible to choose an absolute favorite. Everyone has their own personal opinion on the best type of eatery Kentucky offers, from fine dining to local dive, and we happen to think they’re all amazing. However, there are certain restaurants in the Bluegrass State that are pretty famous, which means the lines and wait times can stretch a bit long. Don’t let that deter you! There’s a reason why these places have gained attention. These 11 popular restaurants in Kentucky are so worth waiting in line for.
Big Dipper is one of those local legends that is definitely worth the wait. Known for their burgers, onion rings, and shakes, this Owensboro gem has been around for generations and visitors keep coming back and waiting as long as necessary for a nostalgic dining experience.
Big Dipper is located at 2820 W. Parrish Ave., Owensboro, KY 42301.
Big Dipper is located at 2820 W. Parrish Ave., Owensboro, KY 42301.
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We've shared the quirkiness of this popular Louisville restaurant previously (you can read the full article here), and we think it's worth a try, no matter the wait time. This basement restaurant is known for the unique hammerhead shark that swims above its door, as well as the surprisingly delicious food that awaits inside. Try an elk burger, mac and cheese balls, or tacos, and enjoy a laid-back meal at this fun Kentucky eatery.
Hammerheads is located at 921 Swan St., Louisville, KY 40204.
Hammerheads is located at 921 Swan St., Louisville, KY 40204.
The Whistle Stop is a Kentucky treasure located in Glendale that has a whimsical atmosphere and downright delicious homemade food. Every meal of the day is mouthwatering at this family-friendly, train-themed eatery. If you show up and there's a line, just relax and wait, knowing you have a fantastic dining experience ahead of you.
The Whistle Stop is located at 216 E. Main St., Glendale, KY 42740 and you can read more about it in our previous feature article here.
The Whistle Stop is located at 216 E. Main St., Glendale, KY 42740 and you can read more about it in our previous feature article here.
This tiny Louisville taco shop is very likely to have a long line, especially at peak meal times. However, these authentic tacos are worth the wait. Choose a few freshly made tacos, some grilled corn, and enjoy some of the best tacos in the state. El Taco Luchador has expanded into multiple locations, so the wait times have shortened, but it's always a top choice for locals, no matter where you go.
For more info and locations, visit their website here.
For more info and locations, visit their website here.
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The Blue Raven is a farm-to-table gem in Pikeville that specializes in Appalachian and Southern cuisine with a delicious twist. It's fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere and a welcome addition to the dining scene in this area. You'll probably want to make a reservation, but any effort to get a table is well worth it.
The Blue Raven is located at 211 Main St., Pikeville, KY 41501.
The Blue Raven is located at 211 Main St., Pikeville, KY 41501.
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Patti's 1880's Settlement is recovering from a recent fire, so the restaurant is currently closed. However, they are working hard to reopen as soon as possible and this dining destination will surely be extremely popular as soon as it does - fans of this eatery are anxiously awaiting the chance to dine here once again! Reservations are a must, as it's all about the unique atmosphere and incredible food. Patti's is a perfect day trip destination with shops, activities, and food, and the restaurant is a can't miss Kentucky experience.
Patti's 1880's Settlement is located at 1793 J H O’Bryan Ave., Grand Rivers, KY 42045 and you can read more about the restaurant here. Keep an eye on the Patti's Facebook page for updates about their reopening!
Patti's 1880's Settlement is located at 1793 J H O’Bryan Ave., Grand Rivers, KY 42045 and you can read more about the restaurant here. Keep an eye on the Patti's Facebook page for updates about their reopening!
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Owensboro is pretty much the BBQ capital of Kentucky, with many mouthwatering options for flavorful, smoked meats. Old Hickory is one of the favorites, and it's very likely you'll encounter a line when you visit. The wait is worth it to try their famous BBQ brisket, mutton, and other meats and sides, and you might as well stick around town and visit the other tasty options for BBQ.
Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is located at 338 Washington Ave., Owensboro, KY42301 and you can check out more of our picks for the best barbecue in Kentucky here.
Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is located at 338 Washington Ave., Owensboro, KY42301 and you can check out more of our picks for the best barbecue in Kentucky here.
Greyhound Tavern is a timeless southern restaurant that serves some of the best fried chicken in Kentucky. It's a very popular spot for family meals and special outings, so reservations are recommended or you may be waiting in a long line. Brunch is also fabulous here and you can read even more about this classic restaurant in northern Kentucky here.
Greyhound Tavern is located at 2500 Dixie Hwy., Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017.
Greyhound Tavern is located at 2500 Dixie Hwy., Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017.
Like it or not, our state is known for Kentucky Fried Chicken and everyone should really experience the real deal at least once. The Sanders Cafe in Corbin is not only a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, but also a museum dedicated to the iconic chain and a popular tourist spot in the area. You may find long lines for food, but go ahead and check this one off of your Kentucky bucket list.
The Sanders Cafe is located at 688 US Highway 25 W. Corbin, KY 40701 and you can see more photos of the cool museum here.
The Sanders Cafe is located at 688 US Highway 25 W. Corbin, KY 40701 and you can see more photos of the cool museum here.
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Right in the heart of horse country, you'll find Wallace Station Deli and Bakery - a delicious and heartwarming spot for any meal of the day. It's truly situated amongst the rolling hills and horse farms that Kentucky is known for, and this restaurant is famous for its freshly prepared food, relaxed atmosphere, and serene surroundings. At peak meal time, the line to order can get long, but it's a Kentucky dining experience everyone should try.
Wallace Station is located at 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Midway, KY 40383. Learn more about this charming restaurant here.
Wallace Station is located at 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Midway, KY 40383. Learn more about this charming restaurant here.
Another charming Kentucky restaurant that is totally worth the hype, the Lighthouse Restaurant in Sulphur Well is a local and visitor favorite. Their homemade food is delicious and comforting, and even if you have to wait, you won't mind doing so in the welcoming environment. This classic, country-cooking restaurant is award-winning, memorable, and worth a visit, even if you have to wait in line to get to experience it.
The Lighthouse Restaurant is located at 1500 Sulpher Well Knob Lick Rd., Edmonton, KY 42129. You can find more mouthwatering details here.
The Lighthouse Restaurant is located at 1500 Sulpher Well Knob Lick Rd., Edmonton, KY 42129. You can find more mouthwatering details here.
These are 11 of the most popular restaurants in Kentucky, but this list could go on and on! So tell us: what is your favorite place to eat in our state that worth standing a long line to try? Share your suggestions with us in the comments!
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