The fresh air and a gentle breeze can make a good meal even better, especially at one of the restaurants with outdoor dining in Kentucky. Though there is seating inside, the ambiance of the environment outdoors is just more refreshing. The food is good, some offer good music, and all have a special kind of ambiance.
13. Bouquet Restaurant at 519 Main Street in Covington
This is not your average shorts and a t-shirt place, but is more business casual. The atmosphere is still quite cozy, with an excellent wine list and delicious food, especially the crab cakes. The food is prepared fresh, cooked to order, and you will be hard pressed to find a better steak in the area. The outside seating allows for a pleasant view of the area and historic architecture.
12. Café Meeples at 200 W Main Street in Richmond
This place has a very unique dining atmosphere, obviously targeting game lovers. You have access to a variety of arcade and tabletop games while you wait and dine on some fantastic food. The menu is vast, offering everything from soup and sandwiches to breakfast, pasta, salads, desserts and specialty dishes. The service is fast and friendly, and the view outside is not lacking. Gaming is still offered outside, but of course, not the electronic systems.
11. Chandler’s at 212 Market Street in Maysville
This is a fantastic place to get a reservation and have a fine meal with a view and friendly service. They have some amazing specials like Osso Bucco Veal Ravioli, homemade lasagna, sirloins with special toppings, and appetizers that you could make a meal on. The desserts are mouthwatering as well.
10. Cheapside Bar & Grill at 131 Cheapside in Lexington
This place has been around forever serving up some of the best drinks and burgers in the area. You have a nice view of the city, and the breeze is always nice here. The food is not what you would expect from a pub style place, as they offer things like oven roasted short rib, sweet corn cakes, and more. There are traditional pub style burgers, fries and such on the menu though.
9. Knotty Pine on the Bayou at 6302 Licking Pike in Cold Spring
Knotty Pine
This is a cozy place with a breathtaking view overlooking miles of lush forest and rolling hills. The cuisine is traditional Louisiana style Creole and Cajun, which is delicious. If you are unfamiliar with this type of food, they offer a wonderful Cajun Sampler which includes blackened steak and chicken, sautéd shrimp, red beans and rice and gumbo.
8. Mammy’s Kitchen at 116 W. Stephen Foster Avenue in Bardstown
This is the go to place for traditional southern cuisine in Bardstown. Mammy’s is made fresh with love from the biscuits and gravy to the burgers and fries. Anything you order here will be outstanding and the ambiance is at home comfortable with an ambiance.
7. Root Beer Stand at 129 18th Street in Corbin.
The Dixie Burger is the house special and deserves the title. It is thick, hearty and comes with grilled onions and a special sauce. Most people go for the delicious homemade root beer. If you have never had fresh made soda, you will want to get a frosty mug.
6. Sage Garden Café at 3690 East West Connector in Frankfort
This is a unique place to dine on fresh produce. Everything is grown in house. The menu is versatile, always tasty and fresh and offers things like a Hot Brown Panini, fresh soups, salads, pasta and burgers. You can see most the vegetables that go on your plate via the nursery.
5. The Blue Raven at 211 Main Street in Pikeville
This is one of the most popular spots in Pikeville and actually has a bit of renowned. This is the midst of coal country, and these hard working miners are not impressed easily. They serve up classics like meatloaf and bean soup, along with luxurious dishes like oysters and pan seared halibut.
4. Lee’s Ford Harbor Restaurant at 451 Lee’s Ford Dock Road in Nancy
This place is a little off the beat and path, but the fish dishes are worth it. There are several tender pasta dishes if you aren’t in the mood for the Grouper , or the Grouper fingers, which are absolutely delicious.
3. Tousey House Tavern at 5963 N Jefferson Street in Burlington
This is the sister house to the Greyhound Tavern, offering a comfortable atmosphere, fantastic food and service. The slow roasted prime rib or filet mignon, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables are always a win when it comes to an unforgettable meal, but everything on the menu is delicious.
2. Lure Seafood and Grille at 401 W 2nd Street in Owensboro
This sweet little seafood and steak restaurant offers top notch service and a upscale atmosphere. The food is out of this world and prepared fresh. Most the dishes are unique to Lure, each with their own special twist of seasoning and spices.
1. Guthries River House at 6075 South Hwy 27 in Somerset
The dock gives us a serene view of Lake Cumberland that is particularly breathtaking during the sunset. The service is fast and friendly, serving up the perfect dish every time. The sea bass, New York Strip, and Prime Rib are all local favorites.
These are restaurants with outdoor dining in Kentucky that come with a reputation for quality, a pleasant dining experience, and a cool view. What restaurants with outside seating would you add to the list?
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