A great dining experience is about so much more than the food. Of course, what you find on your plate is ultimately how you judge a restaurant, but there’s more to it than a well-created menu. There are many eateries around Kentucky that believe that going out to eat is about an overall experience, so each one has added some sort of creative factor or character to the restaurant to make dining there a blast. These 10 restaurants throughout the Bluegrass State all have charm, vibrancy, good food, and just enough wackiness to make them worthy of a visit.  Let’s explore these weird and fun restaurants in Kentucky:

1. Flamingo Row - Paducah
Aaron R. Decker/Google
2640 Perkins Creek Dr, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
Facebook/Flamingo Row
Flamingo Row is a tropical-themed restaurant in Paducah that takes you to the Caribbean with each visit. The interior is as colorful as the exterior and is filled with palm trees, bright lights, and of course, flamingos. The menu is very diverse, but the sandwich offerings are definitely a favorite. And don't forget to order a tropical drink to really make you feel like you've escaped to the beach, without leaving Kentucky.
2. Patti's 1880s Settlement - Grand Rivers
Facebook/Patti's 1880's Settlement
1793 J H O'Bryan Ave, Grand Rivers, KY 42045, USA
Facebook/Patti's 1880's Settlement
We've always been wild about Patti's 1880's Settlement in Grand Rivers; it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination in Kentucky. The restaurant boasts its famous flower pot bread, home-cooked meals, and over-the-top desserts, and the property is just as impressive. You'll find a little bit of everything here. Sadly, Patti's recently experienced a fire, but they are already working hard to rebuild. Follow them on Facebook for current updates!

Enjoy this overview of Patti’s 1880 Settlement:
3. Rick's White Light Diner - Frankfort
GoogleMaps
114 Bridge St, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
TripAdvisor/Photoclicker
As the oldest diner in Frankfort, Rick's White Light Diner was a Kentucky institution. While the food was a standout - especially the surprisingly fresh seafood - the real character here came from Rick himself, the staff, and decor. It was always a memorable stop and definitely a unique place to dine in our state's capital. (Editor's note: we regret to inform you that Rick's White Light Cajun Diner has permanently closed)
4. Hog Wild Pig Crazy Bar-BQ - Sparta
Facebook/Hog Wild Pig Crazy Bar-BQ
401 Loves Dr, Sparta, KY 41086, USA
Facebook/Hog Wild Pig Crazy Bar-BQ
With a name like this, how could we not include it in a wacky restaurant list? Hog Wild is a locally owned BBQ joint, just minutes from the Kentucky Speedway. It's a lively spot for some incredible barbecue and made-from-scratch sides. It's very convenient for race-goers, locals, and even those driving past on the highway, as it's right off the exit.
5. Parkette Drive In - Lexington [CLOSED]
Facebook/Parkette Drive In
1230 E New Circle Rd, Lexington, KY 40505, USA
Facebook/Parkette Drive In
Dining at The Parkette was another one of those quintessential Kentucky food experiences. Its nostalgic flair and uniqueness made for a fun atmosphere and the friendly staff and delicious food aren't bad either. The fried chicken and the hot brown burger had everyone leaving full and happy. (Editor's Note: after 70 memorable years, The Parkette has sadly closed for good)
6. El Taco Luchador - Louisville
Facebook/El Taco Luchador
112 Meridian Ave, Louisville, KY 40207, USA
Facebook/El Taco Luchador
With multiple locations in Louisville, El Taco Luchador takes eating tacos to a whole new level. The flavor combinations are unique and out of this world and the decor of each restaurant is eye-catching and fun. The line is often out the door at all locations, but don't let that deter you from the freshest tacos in one of the most colorful restaurants in Kentucky.

Take a look at some of the scrumptious food you’ll find here:
7. Bard's Burgers & Chili - Covington
Facebook/Bard's Burgers & Chili
3620 Decoursey Ave, Covington, KY 41015, USA
Facebook/Bard's Burgers & Chili
If you haven't tried Bard's in Covington yet then you are really missing out on one of the best burger joints in Kentucky! The restaurant has a cool, retro feel but the craziness here comes from the food! Try the Bardzilla Challenge (if you dare), freshly fried cheese curds, coneys, a burger on a donut, or one of the many other mouthwatering options.

Check out the Bardzilla Challenge:
8. Miguel's Pizza - Slade
TripAdvisor/Kimberly C
1890 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA
TripAdvisor/Jessi S
It's crazy to think that you can find an amazing pizza restaurant in the middle of nowhere in Kentucky, but that's exactly the case thanks to Miguel's Pizza. This locally owned dining destination is a treasure of Red River Gorge and really our entire state. The pizza is fresh and delicious, but the atmosphere is also why you should visit. It also offers a gear shop and lodging choices and it's a great stop to make when in this beautiful area of Kentucky.
9. Dee's Drive Inn - Louisa
GoogleMaps
109 Madison St, Louisa, KY 41230, USA
TripAdvisor/Thebossladytravels
Diners have been driving in to Dee's Drive Inn since the 1940's and the crazy thing is, not much has changed since. This local icon in Louisa has vintage charm like no other place in the state and the food is classically delicious. Ditch your diet and splurge on a burger with onion rings and a milkshake and live as they did in Louisa decades ago.
10. Jailhouse Pizza - Brandenburg
Carlos Gomezgarces/Google
D Mike/Google
Jailhouse Pizza in Brandenburg allows you to dine like nowhere else in Kentucky - as if you were locked up in jail! This local pizza joint is housed in an old jail and the owners have kept many of the original features, including a jail cell where you can enjoy some of the best pizza around. The entire restaurant is a fun experience and full of that wacky character that makes dining here a blast.

When dining out in Kentucky, you’ll not only enjoy tasty food but have some wacky fun at the same time! How many of these weird and fun restaurants in Kentucky have you been to? Are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments!

For more exciting dining destinations check out these amazing Kentucky restaurants.

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Best Dining Experiences in Kentucky

William Suphan | May 18, 2023

What are the most historic restaurants in Kentucky?

These are some of the most historic restaurants in Kentucky:

  • Greyhound Tavern. Located in Fort Mitchell, this was originally the Dixie Tea Room, built in 1921. 
  • Old Talbott Tavern. This historic tavern was built in Bardstown in 1779 and has been visited by President Lincoln and other notable figures. 
  • Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant. This iconic restaurant was built in Berea in 1909 and has hosted several dignitaries. 
  • The Old Seelbach Bar. Nestled in the Seelbach Hilton Hotel in Louisville, this place opened in 1905 and was a favorite haunt of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Al Capone.

There is more to discover about these and many more of the most historic restaurants in Kentucky. 

What are the best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky?

The best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky include:

  • The Brown Hotel. This luxurious restaurant looks like a French palace and serves amazing Southern cuisine.
  • Wallace Station Deli and Bakery. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and the chef is a James Beard Award nominee.
  • The Old Talbott Tavern. This is the oldest restaurant in the state and it contains the oldest bourbon bar on the planet.
  • Sanders Cafe. This is where Kentucky Fried Chicken got its name and it keeps the original quality this chicken once had.

Find out more about the best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky. 

What are the hidden gem restaurants in Kentucky that everyone should try?

The hidden gem restaurants in Kentucky that everyone should try include:

  • Bread of Life Cafe. Located in Liberty, this family-owned restaurant has an excellent buffet and a gift shop with homemade fudge. 
  • Big Dipper. A local, cash-only favorite in Owensboro for burgers, onion rings, and shakes. 
  • Joe’s Drive-In Chicken. An old-fashioned place near Isom where you can walk up to the window and order some of the best fried chicken in Kentucky.
  • Paula’s Hot Biscuit. Located in Hodgenville, this old-timey breakfast restaurant serves hearty Southern breakfast food.

Learn more about these and several more hidden gem restaurants in Kentucky that everyone should try. 

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