11 Hometown Restaurants In Kentucky That Will Take You Back In Time

The Old Talbott Tavern has been around since 1779. Stories say it has had many historically significant guests, including King Louis Phillippe during his exile, Abraham Lincoln as a child, Stephen Foster, General George Rodgers Clark, and even the infamous Jesse James. The Old Talbott Tavern is located at 107 West Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004.

Enjoy a traditional meal made with farm-to-table ingredients, and then explore the historic 3,000 acres of Shaker Village, which takes you back in time to learn about the ways of life of Kentucky Shakers. The Trustees’ Table is located in Shaker Village at 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330.

This historic building was built in 1909 in the charming town of Berea as a place for those visiting Berea College to dine and sleep. Their restaurant serves meals made with fresh ingredients, many of which came from the Berea College farm. The Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant is located at 100 N. Main Street, Berea, KY 40403.

The Bell House has stood since 1902, and was transformed into a restaurant in 2007. On the first Tuesday of every month, they offer a traditional afternoon tea. The bell in front of the Bell House has been there since the 1950s. It used to be the fire bell on top of the fire station, but it was given a new home in front of the Bell House when the fire station was remodeled. The Bell House Restaurant is located at 721 Main Street, Shelbyville, KY 40065.

Enjoy traditional Southern cooking at this restaurant located in a federalist-style house that was built in 1822. Indulge in their gourmet spin on traditional meals in their elegant dining room, and then go explore the historic town of Burlington. The Tousey House Tavern is located at 5963 N. Jefferson Street, Burlington, KY 41105.

Built in 1921, the Greyhound Tavern was originally called the Dixie Tea Room, but they now serve traditional comfort food. The dining room is so quaint and inviting that you would have no idea you were only five minutes from Cincinnati. The Greyhound Tavern is located at 2500 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017.

This Southern restaurant is also a bed and breakfast, so why not stay a while? The property Federal Grove sits on was a 1,700-acre plantation. It was part of the land that was awarded to General Jonathan Clark for his service in the Revolutionary War. Federal Grove is located at 475 E. Main Street, Auburn, KY 42206.

Wagner’s actually did used to be a pharmacy, but now they are a diner and general store. Located right across the street from the famous Churchill Downs, you can often spot jockeys, horse trainers, and backside workers eating breakfast at Wagner’s after an early morning at the track. Wagner’s is located at 3113 S. 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40214.