If you happen to walk into a place and find minimal seating and a tiny space, don’t assume the worst. A little hole in the wall restaurant can be home to big flavor and great food. We have visited some tiny restaurants in Kentucky, and never left feeling hungry or disappointed in the quality of food received. The old saying, “good things come in small packages” can really ring true when it comes to dining in the Bluegrass State, especially the local restaurants in Kentucky. There are so many options when listing the best tiny restaurants in Kentucky, but the following spots are definitely worth a visit (and are listed in no particular order!).

1. Cottage Café at 11609 Main Street in Middletown
Cottage Cafe, 11609 Main St, Middletown, KY 40243, USA
Facebook/Cottage Cafe
Cottage Cafe
This cafe has favorites like Hot Brown, Tomato Dill soup, and delicious, deli style sandwiches piled high with ingredients. The food is fixed fresh and tasty, but the desserts are the highlight of every patron’s day. The sweets change day to day, but feature things like a pumpkin praline cheesecake and coconut cream pie. Read even more about Cottage Cafe in our previous article.
2. Athenian Grill on 313 S Ashland Avenue in Lexington
Athenian Grill, 313 S Ashland Ave, Lexington, KY 40502, USA
Facebook/Athenian Grill
Ilias P
You may not be able to turn around, but as long as your utensil can reach your mouth you will be happy here. Athenian is the go to place to get mouthwatering Greek food. The lamb gyro, lemon potatoes, baklava and more are all completely amazing. Find out more about one of the best small restaurants in Kentucky at the Athenian Grill Facebook page.
3. Little Town and Country Restaurant at 355 US 42 in Bedford
Little Town & Country Restaurant, 355 US-42, Bedford, KY 40006, USA
Facebook/Little Town & Country Restaurant

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Little Town and Country
This is a diner style family favorite spot where you can get the greatest burgers in town, a fine country fried steak, and southern breakfasts as they are meant to be. If it is breakfast you want, go for their breakfast bowl, which comes with eggs, hash browns or home fries, a choice of meats and biscuits with gravy. See more of this delicious spot at the official Facebook page for Little Town and Country Restaurant.
4. Cunningham’s Creekside at 6301 River Road in Prospect
Cunningham's Creekside, 6301 River Rd, Prospect, KY 40059, USA
Facebook/Cunninghams Creekside
Facebook/Cunninghams Creekside
If you have a hankering for a delicious plate of fish and chips, look no further than Cunningham’s Creekside! This delightful little restaurant is known for amazing seafood specials.
5. Taco Luchador - multiple locations in Louisville
Taco Luchador, 938 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204, USA
Facebook/Taco Luchador Highlands
El Taco Luchador
We all get a craving for Mexican food, and though El Taco Luchador is small, it gives customers big flavors in every bite. It is not unusual to see a crowd, and once you get your food you will understand why. This little place is big on variety, offering tacos most people have never even heard of. You will find yourself discovering new favorites every time you visit. See more of El Taco Luchador in Kentucky.

Some of the best restaurants in Kentucky are the small, local gems that can only fit a few diners at a time. Sometimes it is worth the wait in a tiny Kentucky restaurant, even when seating is minimal. In most cases, if there is a line, or the dining area is full, the food will be worth the effort. Some of our best meals have been in these local hidden gems. What are your favorite tiny restaurants in Kentucky? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

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tiny restaurants in Kentucky

Andrea Limke | January 27, 2020

Are there other small restaurants in Kentucky worth trying?

Of course! While this list of the best small restaurants in Kentucky highlights some of the favorites, there are so many more eateries throughout the Bluegrass State that are tiny, but mighty. Many of these dining destinations can be found in our small towns that often offer an array of local gems, from a classic diner to a walk-up hot dog stand. If you're from a small town in Kentucky, then you can likely name a few from your own hometown. If you need a few suggestions, then check out this list of 7 of the best small town restaurants in Kentucky, which includes favorites such as:

  • Beehive Augusta Tavern
  • Holly Hill Inn
  • One Nineteen West Main, and
  • Granny's Diner in Harrodsburg!

 

What are the best restaurants in Kentucky?

Choosing the absolute best restaurants in Kentucky is not an easy task because this is obviously an opinion-based question. Your definition of the best restaurant may not be the same as your fellow Kentuckian standing next to you. In fact, it's likely very different. While more casual, mom & pop restaurants tend to be considered as favorites with the best comfort food, there's something to be said for a fancy, fine dining experience with locally sourced, intricate menus. But one thing that can be said for sure is that Kentucky has the restaurant, menu, and atmosphere you are looking for. To get started in your quest for what you believe to be the best, take a look at our restaurant-focused articles on Only In Kentucky, and also consider the following bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Kentucky:

  • Starnes Bar-B-Q
  • Pompilio's
  • Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
  • The Brown Hotel
  • Castle Farms Restaurant
  • Patti’s 1880's Settlement
  • Sander's Cafe
  • The Freight House
  • Rich's Proper Food & Drink
  • Barn8 Restaurant
  • The Old Talbott Tavern

 

What are the favorite local restaurants in Kentucky?

The Bluegrass State does offer many chain restaurants and several of them do have delicious food. But of course we happen to think that our local gems tend to edge these eateries out in terms of character, quality, and overall atmosphere. Plus, if you are going to eat out, you may as well support a fellow local! For some of the best and most famous local restaurants in Kentucky, check out 11 of them that are worth waiting in line to try.

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