Burger restaurants in Kentucky bring in some talented chefs. And most Bluegrass burger buffs know that 80/20 at Kaelin’s lays claim to the original cheeseburger. Indeed, there’s nothing like Kaelin’s Original Cheeseburger, an absolute must-try for any foodie’s bucket list that features Dusseldorf mustard, American cheese, onions, pickles, and a four-ounce patty on a potato bun. What you probably don’t know, however, is that this longstanding burger restaurant was the first to sell the Colonel’s now-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken. Intrigued? Read on!

This, friends, is a cheeseburger. *The* Kaelin's Original Cheeseburger - one of our state's most impressive claims to fame.
burger restaurants in kentucky
80/20 at Kaelin's/Facebook
And the Kentucky Fried Chicken origin, another ubiquitous and iconic American food, is *also* part of the state's history.
burger restaurants in kentucky
Amin, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
What is the thru line connecting them both?
burger restaurants in kentucky
80/20 at Kaelin's
Not only are these dishes both Kentucky proud creations, they also have a connection to the very same restaurant: 80/20 at Kaelin's.
In 1934, a local couple named Carl and Margaret Kaelin decided to open a family restaurant in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood.
burger restaurants in kentucky
80/20 at Kaelin's/Facebook
The eponymous Kaelin’s Restaurant was born and over the years thrived creating countless memories for generations of Louisvillians - and having a hand in some of the world's most iconic dishes.

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While Kaelin's is best known as the birthplace of the cheeseburger, the restaurant boasts another equally impressive culinary distinction: It was the first place to sell Kentucky Fried Chicken.
80/20 at Kaelin's/Facebook
In its infancy, Mr. Harland Sanders himself cooked and sold his famous chicken within these walls.
80/20 at Kaelin's/Facebook
In fact, the Colonel breaded his top-secret chicken at this very spot where the host stand is!
Kentucky Fried Chicken is easily our state's most legendary claim to fame.
burger restaurants in kentucky
80/20 at Kaelin's/Facebook
And it's wild to think that one humble little restaurant has connections to not one, but two culinary cultural icons.
Of course, having been the original brick-and-mortar home of Harland Sander’s chicken, it's only appropriate that Kaelin's has their very own house-brined fried chicken recipe.
80/20 at Kaelin's/Facebook
And no offense to the Colonel, but this is some mighty fine fried chicken!
So the next time you find yourself at 80/20 at Kaelin's, order the fried chicken!
80/20 at Kaelin's/Facebook
And tell them the Colonel sent you.

Burger restaurants in Kentucky include the fantastic 80/20 at Kaelin’s. Did you know it was the first to sell the Colonel’s now-iconic Kentucky Fried Chicken? Let us know in the comments below. What a marvelous and impressive claim to fame for this beloved Kentucky restaurant! Discover more on the 80/20 at Kaelin’s website and 80/20 at Kaelin’s Facebook page.

Find out some other good reasons to visit Louisville. While you’re there, stay awhile and reserve a room on Expedia.com.

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More to Explore

State Parks In Kentucky

Carolyn Harmon | March 07, 2024

What are some of the best state parks in Kentucky?

  • Lake Malone State Park (Dunmor): This park offers many typical sights to see, such as hiking trails, a stunning lake, and pretty views. But thanks to artist Steve Brauch, the Big Twig Family of giants has inhabited the place created from steel and fiberglass. The creatures range from 14 to 17 feet tall and have become a main reason to visit. Of course, you can still swim, fish, and picnic on the lovely grounds. And camping is available on the 25 campsites equipped with electric and water hookups.
  • Nolin Lake State Park (Mammoth Cave): The lake is 5,795 acres at the 333-acre park located along the impressive Mammoth Cave National Park in Edmonson County. Mountain bikers have a blast here along the 9 miles of single-track trails they share with hikers. You can also trek the lovely 3.4-mile Waterfall Loop on Brier Creek Trail, when even in the winter, you'll find gorgeous scenery. The trailhead is across from the state park campground. And of course, swimming is also fun or you can just sit and enjoy some rays on the sandy, lakeside beach.
  • Carter Caves State Resort Park (Olive Hill): Cave tours and mysterious twisting caverns are just some of the items to explore in this enchanted place. The Carter region has the highest concentration of caves in the Bluegrass state. Plan on staying over for a few nights as Caveland Lodge and the Carter Caves Campground are open all year round. Find fun all day long playing mini golf, panning for gems, and checking out the unique scenery including five natural bridges.

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80/20 @ Kaelin's Restaurant, 1801 Newburg Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, USA