Few People Know One Of The Nicest Restaurants In America Is Hiding In Small-Town Kentucky
Kentucky is so much more than bourbon and fried chicken. The Bluegrass State is an important player in the culinary arena, with a distinct cuisine all its own. This is epitomized in small-town Paducah, a place that’s emerging as a true culinary destination. In Paducah, The Freight House is a Top Chef-led restaurant that’s one of the nicest restaurants in Kentucky… and America.
There's something beautifully simple about The Freight House, both in form and function. Built in a historic train depot, its rustic-yet-elegant exterior is unassuming and accessible, beckoning guests for what will be an unforgettable dining experience.
The Freight House opened in 2015 under the helm of Chef Sara Bradley. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and cozy, with a rustic, farmhouse kind of feel. It's a place you'll want to sit and stay -- especially once you get a glimpse of the menu!
Those seeking a taste of the South will find it at here, with comforting classics like corn bread, black eyed peas, collard greens, chicken biscuits, and shrimp and grits anchoring the menu.
One of the things that Freight House excels in is taking a classic and turning it on its head... often quite literally. The crawfish pot pie is a prime example of this; a creamy combination of delicious gravy, tender vegetables, and crawfish tails covered with an impossibly flaky puff pastry blanket.
Craving something comforting from your childhood? The Freight House is always pushing the boundaries of what "fine dining" is, whether it's the delicious deviled eggs, peaches n’ cream, or even saucy bologna!
Because The Freight House prioritizes local, seasonal ingredients, the menu changes frequently, and specials often grace the menu for just a few days. As such, you're pretty much guaranteed a different dining experience each time, which makes visiting such a treat.
When it comes time for dessert, let the seasons dictate your decision. Strawberry shortcake and stone fruit cobbler reign supreme in the summer; molasses pie is a fall must-try; and the dark chocolate fudge cake is *always* a good idea.
Of course, no proper fine dining experience in Kentucky would be complete without a libation, and the bourbon flights features a taster's pour of four different bourbons, carefully curated to take your palate on a fantastic voyage -- and whet your appetite for an amazing meal!
At The Freight House, you’ll dine on down-home Kentucky cuisine that’s truly inspired, and the entire experience will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about our state’s fare.
Have you dined at The Freight House before? This restaurant in small-town Kentucky is one of the nicest dining spots in the state and well-worth a visit.
Address: the freight house, 330 S 3rd St Suite 102, Paducah, KY 42003, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.