6 Exceptional Kentucky Restaurants To Try When You're Dining Out On A Budget
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Sarah McCosham
Author
Nothing beats a hot, home-cooked meal… except perhaps a hot, home-cooked meal prepared by someone else. Whether you’re in need of a break from the kitchen, scrambling to throw together a last-minute dinner, or in the mood for a night on the town, dining out is always a delightful – and delicious – experience in Kentucky. And the best part? Many of the state’s most beloved, unique, and exceptional restaurants are also easy on the wallet. Behold: six superlative restaurants to try when dining on a budget in Kentucky.
Starnes Barbecue, 1008 Joe Clifton Dr, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
A Paducah institution, Starnes has been dishing up delicious, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue since the 1950s. This unassuming little spot is a fan favorite for its legendary, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue that's swimming in irresistible, sticky-sweet sauce. The prices here are as good as it gets, too; sandwiches, sides, and drinks are just a few bucks each!
Lighthouse Restaurant, 1500 Sulphur Well Knob Lick Rd, Sulphur Well Historic District, KY 42129, USA
When the craving strikes for a big ‘ole plate of comfort food in Kentucky, there’s only one option: the Lighthouse Restaurant in Sulphur Well. This unassuming little restaurant has been voted Kentucky Living's "Best Down-Home Restaurant" for several years running -- and once you visit, you'll know why. Epic platters full of endless Southern favorites are priced between $8 and $13, and the portions are just as generous as what Grandma would serve for Sunday supper.
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Shirley Maes Cafe, South Clay Street, Louisville, KY, USA
Located in a quaint brick building on the corner of Clay & Lampton Streets in downtown Louisville, Shirley Mae's Cafe has been serving up the best Southern soul food in the Bluegrass for over 30 years -- and believe us when we say, it's some of the best fried chicken around. Order the Shirley Mae’s Chicken Wing lunch special for just $12, which features three pieces of perfectly fried chicken, two sides, and Shirley Mae’s world-famous Hot Water Cornbread, and prepare to be in total Southern-fried food heaven.
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Bread of Life Cafe, U.S. 127, Liberty, KY, USA
Hearty and comforting, there’s nothing quite like a proper, sit-down Amish meal, and there’s one all-you-can-eat Amish buffet in Kentucky where you can get your fill of this incomparable country cuisine: Bread of Life Cafe. Buffets are the name of the game here, with offerings varying by daily. We're partial to the breakfast buffet, which features potatoes, bacon, biscuits and gravy, eggs every which way, sausage, and more. The best part? The prices here are ridiculously reasonable, so you can fill your stomach without emptying your wallet.
Old Hickory Bar-B-Que, 338 Washington Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301, USA
When you’re hungry for barbecue in the Bluegrass, there are numerous reputable restaurants where you can certainly get your fill of this Southern specialty. But there’s only one place that’s hailed as the "world’s best barbecue" in Kentucky, and that’s Old Hickory Bar-B-Q. This long-time spot has been serving the same, soul-filling, delicious BBQ for generations, and certainly lives up to their bold barbecue claim. The slow-smoked mutton here is legendary, and you can grab a sliced mutton sandwich for just $6.25 -- it's 50 cents extra if you want it hot "off the pit," and we definitely think that's a splurge-worthy addition!
Boonedogs Bar & Restaurant, 5902 Old Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40515, USA
If you're craving a hot dog in a big way, head to Boonedogs in Lexington. Hot dog heaven awaits within this humble little spot, where, for only $9, you can have the foot-long 'dog of your dreams.
So the next time you find yourself dining on a budget in Kentucky, check out one of these amazing eateries, sure to satisfy whatever you’re craving!
Looking for more superb spots to dine in the Bluegrass? These hole-in-the-wall barbecue joints are beckoning…
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Dining on a Budget in Kentucky
What are some other restaurants to go to when dining on a budget in Kentucky?
With a low cost of living and wonderful quality of life, Kentucky really does have it all! With regard to the former, there are all sorts of amazing attractions, parks, and restaurants that give you the best of the Bluegrass on a budget. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly restaurants in Kentucky:
- Royals Hot Chicken. Craving delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken? You don't have to visit the Colonel - though we do recommend that! Royals Hot Chicken in Louisville, Kentucky, not only makes a killer chicken sandwich, but the eatery has created the ultimate hand-held treat: fried chicken tacos. Order yours a little spicy or a lot spicy, with a massive tub of dipping sauce, and prepare for a messy meal of pure deliciousness and finger-licking proportions. The best part? Most meals (including a side) fall into the $10-$12 range.
- Goodwood Brewing. Located in the heart of Downtown Frankfort, overlooking the Kentucky River, Goodwood Brewing bills itself as *the* spot for burgers, brunch, and brews. And it's true, Goodwood Frankfort excels at all these things. Small batch, specialty brews fill the taps, and a robust menu of pub classics includes all the favorites! While the dinner menu features accessible fine dining fare (with an accessible fine dining price tag), lunch at Goodwood Brewing is surprisingly affordable and budget-friendly, with the Classic All-American Burger a daily lunch special for just $10.49!
- Feast BBQ. In the mood for BBQ? You're in Kentucky, so that's a given. Hailed as Louisville's Best BBQ Restaurant since 2015, Feast BBQ is a celebration of slow-smoked, Southern-style barbecue. The brisket from Feast BBQ is perfection: juicy, smoky, and full of flavor. The sandwiches and lunch plates at this BBQ joint let the meat shine, with sides and toppings happily playing second fiddle. Grab a sandwich, taco, or BBQ plate* (plus a side or two) for under $20. *One exception? The brisket plate, which is around $22. Worth it, though.