8 “Hole In The Wall” Restaurants In Kentucky That Will Always Satisfy Your Tastebuds
They say not to judge a book by its cover, and this is particularly true when discussing the topic of the hole in the wall restaurants in Kentucky. When it comes to incredible food, the most flavorful indulgences are often found in the most unsuspecting places. We’ve been given food at fine dining establishments that looked and tasted bland, flavorless, dry, etc. In contrast, “hole in the wall” restaurants in Kentucky are oftentimes where some of the best food known to humankind can be found. After exploring hole in the wall restaurants in Kentucky, locals have learned never to shrug off small or simple establishments… and, in comments on previous articles and via our destination nomination tool, they’ve shared their love for the following eateries. Locals can’t get enough of these awesome places:
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/
1. Watermill Restaurant 804 Mammoth Cave Road in Cave City
This is not your average buffet style restaurant. The fried chicken and fish at Watermill Restaurant are top notch and not too greasy. The desserts are homemade and remind you of the perfect sweets whipped up in grandma’s kitchen. The green beans are seasoned to perfection and cooked just right, which you don’t find often. This place is a dining gem in Cave City, and it truly is no secret why locals have loved this site for decades. They'll show you Southern comfort food as it's meant to be.
2. Traditions Family Restaurant at 11500 Alexandria Pike in Alexandria
Traditions Family Restaurant is exactly what you’d expect from a place with “family” in the name. Indulge in friendly service with a smile, plus food that is absolutely delicious. They have daily specials including old favorites like meatloaf, fried chicken, and open faced roast beef, along with choices like salsa chicken. The breakfasts here are absolutely out of this world, and really give a get up and go to your day. For circa a decade now, locals have sworn by this delicious destination.
3. Roy’s Barbecue at 101 Sarah Lane in Russellville
Roy’s has a lot more than barbecue to offer hungry patrons, but the barbecue is quite good. The fried fish, open faced roast beef, chicken and meatloaf are all amazing as well. You will find friendly service, hot, fresh food and a fair price at Roy’s. The desserts are also made fresh and well worth saving room for, even if it means a to go box. If you're not a meat lover, rest assured that even the sides here are delicious. Their killer onion rings are... well, killer.
4. Lighthouse Restaurant at 1500 Sulphur Well Knob Lick Road in the Sulphur Well Historic District
If you like country ham and a hearty breakfast, this is a great place to eat. They have traditional home cooking at an affordable price and everything is prepared just right, not to greasy. The Lima Beans are tender, the fish crisp, and the fried apples have the perfect balance of cinnamon, butter and sugar. The Lighthouse Restaurant comes highly recommended and, if you're craving comfort food, it absolutely belongs on your bucket list.
5. JK’s Café at 4636 Old Boonesboro Road in Winchester
This is a great place to stop in for breakfast, a sandwich or dinner plate. The Old Rock Barn Reuben and the Hot Brown Burger sandwich is melt in your mouth delicious. The breakfast plates will remind you of a family sit down for a big country breakfast. The menu is on the wall and the specials really are special in an indescribable way. You'll just have to treat your taste buds to a meal to find out how memorable JK's food is!
6. Harper’s Catfish at 3085 Old Gallatin Road in Scottsville
If you love catfish, you will not want to miss this little restaurant. In the past, our readers have mentioned Harper's Catfish quite a few times in the previous articles comments for having the best catfish in the state. When it comes to the finest hole in the wall restaurants in Kentucky, this destination is perfect for snack sharing. Bring some friends!
7. Country Store Restaurant at 205 W Main Street in Bradfordsville
Do your taste buds need a hug? You can treat them to flavors full of love... it just takes a quick trip over to Bradfordsville! The Country Store has limited hours, so check online or call ahead before planning your visit. You will find that regardless of wait time, every mouthwatering bite of the food is worth it. If you’re a fan of frog legs, the platter has enough for leftovers, as does the fried chicken. The steaks are cooked to order and the pie… why, the pie is just heavenly.
8. Catfish Kitchen Restaurant at 136 Teal Run in Benton
The name leads you to believe this is just a catfish restaurant… but it is the catfish restaurant, according to locals. Those who left the area still return to Catfish Kitchen to enjoy the fresh, tender fried fish served up here. Generous portions are standard and the ambiance of the water and friendly geese just makes things even better. For a truly decadent dining experience, treat yourself to a generous side of hush puppies.
These reader recommended hole in the wall restaurants in Kentucky offer visitors and residents a home cooked meal away from home. What other restaurants would you add to the list? Tell us about your favorite hole in the wall restaurants in Kentucky in the comments!
Address: 804 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
Address: 11500 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, KY 41001, USA
Address: 101 Sarah Ln, Russellville, KY 42276, USA
Address: 1500 Sulphur Well Knob Lick Rd, Edmonton, KY 42129, USA
Address: 4636 Old Boonesboro Rd, Winchester, KY 40391, USA
Address: 3085 Old Gallatin Rd, Scottsville, KY 42164, USA
Address: 205 W Main St, Bradfordsville, KY 40009, USA
Address: 136 Teal Run Cir, Benton, KY 42025, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hole In The Wall Restaurants In Kentucky
July 05, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Which tiny restaurants in Kentucky are worth trying?
Here in Kentucky, we know that great things come in small packages. Many of our fascinating tiny towns have produced both incredible people and businesses, and to this day our countryside is overflowing with charm. Get lost in the wonders of small town dining at teeny tiny eateries like Rick’s Barbecue and More. Rick’s is one of the best BBQ spots in the state, and yet it’s housed in a petite little shed-like storefront. Little Town & Country Restaurant has a modest parking lot, but inside you’ll find an incredible old school atmosphere. It has remained family owned since the 1950s, and it remains welcoming to this day. If you’re traveling through our state, don’t be afraid to dine at tiny local landmarks… they just may surprise you!
What are the most unique restaurants in Kentucky?
If you’ve never been to the Bluegrass State, our diversity may surprise you. Across our 40,408 square miles of landscape you’ll find incredible natural features, unique and unusual residents, and some incredible dining hot spots. Parkette Drive In offers visitors an old-school experience, complete with black and white tile floor and all-American bites like burgers and onion rings. Bard’s Burgers & Chili serves infamously massive burgers are practically local legend. If you can finish a meal consisting of eleven patties and twelve slices of cheese between a bun plus two pounds of fries in one hour, you earn free patties for life. At Jailhouse Pizza, you can dine in total comfort… if you don’t mind dining in a purportedly haunted former jail.
Where can I go for fine dining in Kentucky?
As you know, delicious dining comes in all shapes and sizes… and that is particularly true in The Bluegrass State! Hole in the wall dining is just one of many dining experiences that our state offers. And, while we specialize in Southern comfort food, you can find a vast dining scene throughout the stretches of our state. Places like the Holly Hill Inn, Beaumont Inn, and Patti’s 1880’s Settlement are all excellent destinations for date night. The latter restaurant is famous for its over the top two pork chops. Yes, seriously. You don’t want to miss dessert at any of the aforementioned destinations.
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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