7 Restaurants You Have To Visit In Kentucky Before You Die
Kentucky is known for our friendly, laid back nature, along with restaurants serving fantastic food and southern style cooking. Good cooking doesn’t just apply to the mom and pop places and local diners. There are some restaurants scattered across the state that have traditional down home cooking, while others utilize a well-trained chef. Depending on your tastes, both can be absolutely divine to dine at, and a few should be considered must-visit Kentucky restaurants. Want to try the best local restaurants in Kentucky? While it may be a matter of opinion, the following eateries are fan favorites. Here are seven must-visit Kentucky restaurants everyone should try at least once:
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1. Beaumont Inn at 638 Beaumont Inn Drive in Harrodsburg
This B&B has been filling bellies with fantastic food since 1918. It is the longest family owned and operated bed and breakfast in Kentucky, and some of the elders recipes have been handed down. You will find their Yellow Legged Fried Chicken, Two Year Old Country Ham and the Corn Pudding all to be worth the journey. Some people get a little concerned over the age of the ham… but once you taste it, all thoughts other than, “Yum!” cease to exist. Dig into something delicious at the Beaumont Inn just once and your taste buds will surely be begging for another future visit. It's no secret why many locals consider this charming eatery to be one of the best local restaurants in Kentucky.
2. Bill’s Restaurant at 420 Frederica Street in Owensbor
For southern cooking at its best with an amazing little twist, you will want to see Bill. The food is always made perfect to order, the service friendly and prompt, and the plate arrangement a work of art. When you eat at Bill’s, you know you’ve eaten somewhere where a little bit of soul goes into every dish. Plus, seasonal specials at this locally owned eateries ensure that even the pickiest diners are never bored. Keep it casual with pizza or try something more gourmet at Bill's Restaurant in Owensboro. Whatever you decide to try, you will enjoy a decadent meal that's full of flavor. What's not to love?!
If it's vegan cuisine you crave, look no further than Alfalfa. They are dedicated to providing their patrons with fresh, delicious food with every visit and every dish, and their menu includes a great deal more diversity than the traditional salad and rolls. They do serve meat entrees, too, which is equally delicious, so don’t feel that their menu is limited. The Mushroom Ragout, Alfalfa Avocado Grill, Hopping John and Italian Cream Cake are all mouthwatering, but you'll surely love whatever you try. There's a reason locals swear by this place, and you'll fall in love in just one bite. Bring your appetite!
This century old historic establishment has been in business that long for a very good reason… the food is to die for. Many of the ingredients used come directly from the farm at Berea College, so they are fresh and flavorful. It is also a LEED Gold Green hotel and restaurant, meaning they go about things in the most natural and sustainable way possible. They even have a pastry chef specifically for their list of melt in the mouth desserts. You can come for a weekend stay, or an individual meal, but either way… you should come to Boone Tavern. Don't forget to bring your appetite!
5. Harper House at 123A D.J. Everett Drive in Cadiz
Come hungry to Harper House! This fine establishment offers all the classics such as steaks, burgers, shrimp and grits, real mac and cheese and country vegetables. Since 2009, locals and visitors alike have flocked to this southern-style eatery in great quantity to sample its delicious menu. Don't forget to grab a beer at Harper House! Those pair perfectly with sides like cheese curds and shoestring fries, but then again, all comfort food pairs well with a good beer. Whatever you decide to try, know that you're in for a treat at this beloved dining destination.
I could say bella, bella even sehr wunderbar to the food at this authentic, charming eatery. If you like German cuisine, this is the must go to place for that type of food. Anyone who has experienced German cooking will tell you, this is authenticity at its best. They can even make you enjoy Brussels sprouts at Wunderbar Covington! Of course, you can't go wrong with more familiar foods like burgers at this cozy local joint. In just one visit, you'll fall in love with the offerings at this globally-inspired dining destination. Believe it or not, there are all sorts of incredible local restaurants in Kentucky that specialize in ethnic cuisine... even though we're known primarily for old fashioned southern-style cookin'.
7. Stella’s Kentucky Deli at 143 Jefferson Street in Lexington.
If you ever lived on a farm or simply enjoyed fresh farm to table meals, you know there is no substitute. The good people at Stella’s know this too, and that is exactly how they feed their customers. Every meal is fresh, flavorful and grown or raised with love and nurturing hands. You may not believe this if you never experienced it, but you can truly taste the difference. Their house made speciality sodas, such as Mint Ginger Ale, are incredible... and you won’t want to drink regular coke again. The salads and fresh made dressings are out of this world also. To be honest, there is nothing that tastes bad at Stella’s, from their fried green tomato grilled cheese to their specialties.
These must-visit Kentucky restaurants all offer a delicious variety of cuisine. We have so many wonderful dining establishments spread across the state; it was difficult to decide who to feature. This combination offers different types of food to appeal to a variety of palettes. Have you ever been to any of the above? If not, what do you consider to be the best local restaurants in Kentucky? Tell us in the comments!
Address: 638 Beaumont Inn Dr, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA
Address: 420 Frederica St, Owensboro, KY 42301, USA
Address: 141 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507, USA
Address: 100 N Main St, Berea, KY 40403, USA
Address: 123a D.J. Everett Dr, Cadiz, KY 42211, USA
Address: 1132 Lee St, Covington, KY 41011, USA
Address: 143 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Local Restaurants In Kentucky
November 22, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What are the most unique restaurants in Kentucky?
When most people imagine dining in The Bluegrass State, they envision a few familiar dishes. Typically, soul food and southern cuisine dominate expectations… but we offer so much more in terms of dining, and some local eateries have atmospheres that are downright surprising. Flamingo Row features a tropical milieu, complete with hand-painted murals in bright, summery colors. Their menu has playful names for every dish, and their bar is overflowing with tropical drinks. Parkette Drive In is another local oddity and gem… the historic edifice dates back to 1951, and the landmark has been serving Kentucky-style fried chicken for decades. However, there are also surprisingly unique eateries hiding around every corner in our pretty state, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone here to try something new. There’s so much to discover!
What are the smallest restaurants in Kentucky?
There are all sorts of tiny restaurants in Kentucky that specialize in big flavor! Rick’s Barbecue and More is an old-school BBQ spot with a tiny little outdoor dining area in its parking lot. Cottage Café in Middleton is adequately named, as it is teeny tiny and serves up baked goodies worthy of a fairytale. Of course, there’s also a great deal of value in asking locals for suggestions. If you’re really bold, you could form an entire tiny town dining road trip based on suggestions from area residents. Nobody knows local cuisine quite like locals, and when it comes to dining in Kentucky, there’s a lot to discover.
What country restaurants in Kentucky are worth the drive?
When it comes to country-style dining, nothing says “this is authentic” quite like… well, dining in the country. Fortunately for you, The Bluegrass State is packed to the brim with eateries that the whole family will love. Plus, most have something that even the pickiest of eaters can appreciate! The Kentucky Depot belongs on your countryside dining bucket list, as it specializes in all the authentic country-style favorites like fried chicken and fried green tomatoes. Cloud’s Country Cooking is another worthy local gem, specializing in homemade comfort foods that the whole family will love. Cornbread, fried catfish, fried pickles, and more will tempt your taste buds. Oh, and by the way… while you’re dining in Kentucky, anything fried is practically a local necessity. Try our deep fried cookin’ and indulge in the indescribable decadence during your visit.
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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