Posted in Kentucky Dining October 01, 2021 by

These 9 Unique Restaurants In Kentucky Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience

Here in Kentucky, we take dining pretty seriously. From hole-in-the-wall eateries to fine dining establishments and everything in between, there’s just no shortage of impressive restaurants to try. But if you’re looking for a true dining experience, we have some recommendations you’ll want to try. Not only do the following restaurants serve up incredible food, but they also offer a lot in the way of atmosphere and classic Kentucky hospitality. Without further ado, we present the most unique restaurants in Kentucky.

1. Claudia Sanders Dinner House
3202 Shelbyville Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065, USA
Brent Moore/Flickr
Our list of the most unique restaurants in Kentucky starts with the Claudia Sanders Dinner House. This Shelbyville place is all about tradition. After all, Kentucky is the state that put fried chicken on the map. Visit a restaurant that still remains true to its roots. Its southern charm and portions-a-plenty will keep you coming back. For more information, you can visit the Claudia Sanders Dinner House online.
2. Varanese
2106 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA
Ray Sawhill/Flickr
This place in Louisville was once a service station in the mid-1950s. It's now a renovated upscale restaurant with an impressive 25-foot slate waterfall. For more information, you can visit Varanese online.
3. Brown Hotel
335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
calamity_hane/Flickr
Home of the original "Hot Brown" in Louisville, this place offers the best. It also was featured on the food TV show, "Throwdown with Bobby Flay." Not to mention the breathtaking classic decor. To learn more, visit the Brown Hotel website.
4. Joe Bolognas
120 W Maxwell St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
mr_t_77/Flickr
This Italian pizzeria and restaurant is a Lexington favorite and a unique one at that. It harnesses lots of tradition like that of an old-style building appeal and gorgeous preserved stained glass. Bolognas is a former church (dating back to the late 18th century) and was revamped and is now a historical site. A must-visit! For more information, you can head on over to the Joe Bolognas website.
5. Tolly Ho
606 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
Megan Robertson/Flickr
A Lexington & UK campus tradition since 1971, Tolly Ho is a must-visit. If the name alone doesn't pique your interest their famous "Tolly-Ho" burger, classic milkshake, or cheddar tots will do the trick. You can learn more by visiting the Tolly Ho website.
6. 610 Magnolia
610 W Magnolia Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA
Gayot/Flickr
The chef of 610 Magnolia, Edward Lee was a contender for Bravo's "Top Chef." Located in the heart of the 502, this unique Kentucky restaurant offers a contemporary approach to the southern table. For more information, you can check out 610 Magnolia online.
7. Proof on Main
702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Edsel Little/Flickr
If you can get past the interesting and surprising artwork in this Louisville establishment's entrance, you can enjoy an array of cuisine as unique as its decor. When it comes to unique restaurants in Kentucky, it doesn't get much better than Proof on Main. For more information, including hours and the menu, be sure to check out Proof on Main online.
8. Garage Bar
700 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
LuAnn Snawder Photography/Flickr
Their motto is, "Farm to Garage," which is quite suitable given the fact that this East Market Louisville hotspot was once an automotive service garage. Curious to learn more? Check out Garage Bar online.
9. Harland Sanders Cafe
688 US-25W, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
Joel Kramer/Flickr
Also a museum in Corbin, this landmark is home to the history-making secret recipe from Colonel Sanders himself started. Curious to learn more? Check out the Harland Sanders Cafe online.

Do you agree that these are some of the most unique restaurants in Kentucky? Did any of your favorite places miss the list? If so, be sure to tell us all about them in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Or, you can fill out a nomination form for the chance to see some of your favorite Kentucky destinations highlighted in future stories.

Looking for more dining inspiration? Check out our ultimate guide to the best and most unique restaurants in Kentucky.

Address: 688 US-25W, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
Address: 700 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Address: 702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Address: 610 W Magnolia Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA
Address: 606 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
Address: 120 W Maxwell St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
Address: 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Address: 2106 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA
Address: 3202 Shelbyville Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

unique restaurants in Kentucky

October 06, 2021
Beth C.

What are the most famous restaurants in Kentucky?

Here in Kentucky, we pride ourselves on an impressive culinary scene. From mom-and-pop shops to mouthwatering international cuisine, there’s something for every palette here in the Bluegrass State. If you’re looking to experience some of Kentucky’s most famous and reputable restaurants, we’d recommend any of the following: Jack Fry’s, Hammerheads, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, English Grill, Buck’s Restaurant, Mayan Cafe, Proof On Main, Lighthouse Restaurant, Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, Old Chicago, Wallace Station Deli and Bakery, Wild Eggs, Rafferty’s Restaurant and Bar of Florence, and the Whistle Stop.

Where can I find the best barbecue in Kentucky?

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that Kentucky is known the world over for its delectable barbecue. In fact, you can travel to nearly any region of the state and find yourself within close proximity to some of the best barbecue of your life. Need further proof? Check out any of the following restaurants that serve the best barbecue in Kentucky: Roadies BBQ, Red State BBQ, Leigh’s Barbecue, Feast BBQ, Old Hickory Bar-B-Que, Babes BBQ, FDKY BBQ, Momma’s Mustard, Pickles & BBQ, Shack in the Back BBQ, Durham’s Pit BBQ, Smokin’ This and That BBQ, Sonny’s BBQ, and DoubleH BBQ. Looking for more? Check out our list of the best hole-in-the-wall barbecue restaurants in Kentucky.

Address: 688 US-25W, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
Address: 700 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Address: 702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Address: 610 W Magnolia Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA
Address: 606 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
Address: 120 W Maxwell St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
Address: 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Address: 2106 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA
Address: 3202 Shelbyville Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065, USA