8 Outdoor Restaurants In Kentucky You’ll Want To Visit Before Summer’s End
By Andrea Limke|Published August 18, 2020
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
On a warm summer evening, when there’s a gentle breeze and the sun is setting, there’s no better place to enjoy this magical hour than at an outdoor restaurant. Dining al fresco is more popular than ever and many eateries have added or expanded outdoor spaces to accommodate those who want a break from cooking. There are several local, outdoor restaurants in Kentucky that are worth a try and here are 8 of the best, scattered across the state, to check out the next time you’d like a memorable meal on a picturesque patio.
If you're looking to enjoy an elegant, fresh meal while dining outside, make a reservation at The Pine Room in Harrods Creek. The dining room inside is lovely, but the newly expanded outdoor dining space allows for more guests to taste the restaurant's incredible food while enjoying some fresh air. Learn more about The Pine Room on the restaurant's Facebook page.
Knotty Pine on the Bayou is a local favorite in Cold Spring and yet remains a bit of a hidden gem. A table on their deck offers amazing food and there's no better setting to enjoy Knotty Pine's flavorful Cajun fare. Follow along on their Facebook page for more information.
On a beautiful day, head to the heart of horse country and pay a visit to Wallace Station. Located in Midway, this eatery offers a large menu of delicious sandwiches, soups, breakfast items, and much more and you can enjoy it all in the outdoor dining area behind the restaurant. In addition to the tables shown above, there is a large deck as well that has plenty of shaded tables. See more of this favorite local spot on its Facebook page.
When thinking about outdoor dining, the first food that often comes to mind is the burger. G&E Burgers in Williamsburg has both amazing burgers and an outdoor area that overlooks the Cumberland River. Dining here feels like the quintessential summer experience in Kentucky. See more of this burger joint on its Facebook page.
If you want to feel like you're on vacation for a bit and are anywhere close to Lexington, head to Proud Mary BBQ on the Kentucky River. You won't find a more spacious outdoor dining area in this region and with four decks and live music some nights, the atmosphere is laid back and fun. The food is worth a try too as they serve up delicious BBQ, seafood, and other tasty options. Stay up-to-date on the happenings at Proud Mary BBQ on its Facebook page.
Miguel's is a staple in the Red River Gorge area and offers many options for outdoor dining. There are picnic tables all over the property, including under a large, covered spot. And if necessary, just enjoy your pizza from the opened trunk of your car because this legendary meal is worth it. See more of Miguel's Pizza on its Facebook page.
This destination in Henderson is perhaps the dreamiest place to enjoy a meal outdoors in Kentucky. Farmer and Frenchman is a family owned winery, restaurant, and bed and breakfast and everything about it is delightful. Taste their delicious wine and freshly prepared food on the large patio that overlooks the property. See more of this slice of heaven on its Facebook page.
Tousey House in Burlington is another local favorite that is filled with southern charm and historic flair. They recently expanded their outdoor seating area and it's a downright lovely experience to dine on the deck, overlooking this beautiful area of Kentucky. Make a reservation and relax with a memorable meal at this award-winning restaurant. See more of Tousey House Tavern on its Facebook page.
This list is just the beginning of the amazing outdoor restaurants in Kentucky. Have you tried any of these local favorites? If you have another suggestion for incredible outdoor dining in Kentucky, be sure to tell us about it with our nominations page!
And for one more unique outdoor dining experience, check out this baseball-themed spot in Florence that now also offers baseball games.
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