These 12 Little Known Restaurants In Kentucky Are Hard To Find But Worth The Search

The great discoveries that have happened over the years all started out as unknown. That same perspective can be shared with the little-known restaurants in Kentucky. There are some fantastic meals hiding behind these walls that were shared by our readers in previous articles. Some of these places have been family owned and operated for decades, others are a little newer to the cuisine scene. One thing they all share is the preparation of some mouthwatering meals that you won’t soon forget.

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This little place is located at 18 W Cross Main Street, and it is named after the family dog. The food is absolutely delicious, home cooked and made to order. The service is fast and friendly as well. Locals love Buddy’s, and the dog deserved the honor of having a restaurant named after him.

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Rick's

This little diner is located at 114 Bridge Street and was featured on a television show about six years ago for its delicious food. The catfish comes from Mississippi, the shrimp are local, and all the ingredients are purchased in the U.S. Rick is often cooking himself and chats it up with the customers, and the rest of the staff is friendly as well. This is a must visit if you happen to be in Frankfort and comes highly recommended by readers.

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Charles B

Charles B

This restaurant at 119 Metker Trail offers a unique array of specials each week. You will have other options on the menu, but the daily specials are always amazing. You can get chicken and dumplings one day, country fried steak on another and everything is cooked up fresh and made to order. You won’t regret your visit to this depot, and might actually consider moving closer to it.

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Mike B

This café at 104 N Main Street is a great home style diner with fast, friendly service. They make breakfasts made to order, and have some of the best burgers and home fries in town. Their stuffed peppers are also very tasty and not over cooked. This is a place to go when you are hungry, as the portions are generous.

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Joe's

This walk up restaurant at 85 Highway 7 South isn’t known much outside of Isom, but it should be. Kentucky Tourism recognizes it as a great place to enjoy some fried chicken. It is rumored that they might just have some of the best fried chicken in all of the state. They even have a big chicken as a mascot.

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Ron H

This little home cooking country restaurant is located at 2339 Campbellsville Road and serves meals up buffet style. You can order off the menu, but the buffet is great. Instead of the serve yourself buffet, they serve you and really pile it on the plate. Everything is seasoned just right here and though its out of the way, it is well worth the visit.

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This bar with great food is located on 102 S Main Street and is a local favorite. They have a wonderful wine selection and all the baked dips are just great. The pan fried sandwiches make for a great lunch and the desserts will make you smile, especially the port brownie.

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Wig Wam

This restaurant at 419 S 3rd Street is a great place to go for a healthy portion and a low lit ambiance. The burgers are a local favorite, especially the Country Boy Box with fries and slaw. The slaw on the burger is a nice touch and unique taste. This is a great place to go for a tasty lunch or dinner that you know is homemade.

Black Sheep

Located at 100 S Main Street, this is a local favorite and once you eat here, you will know why. They have a entirely different twist on bbq dishes, that will make your mouth water. The meat is smoked and literally falls off the bone… if it has a bone. The other food is also quite good.

Zoe D

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Larry P

This local favorite spot is located on 100 E Main Street. The fried green tomatoes breaded in cornmeal are a real delight. (Not too soggy and not too thick. Perfect.) The ribeye is another perfect dish, along with catfish, Bluegrass Chicken and the Big Papa Burger. There are so many things to like here it is hard to pick a favorite.

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Craig M

This little restaurant at 3085 Old Gallatin Road is known for serving up some great catfish and fried foods. They have good ole’ crinkle cut fries, fresh patty burgers, clams and other great traditional meals. The seafood is the specialty here, so we’d recommend the catfish as a first choice.

Bunz

This little place is nestled in the heart of the Highlands, at 969 ½ Bardstown Road. (Anytime they add the ½, it is tucked away.) The name of the game here is burgers, and they do them to perfection. They offer a great menu of unique burgers, and a "pick your patty". Diners choose from an unlimited number of sauces and toppings, plus a choice of chicken, veggie, beef, salmon, bison or portabella patties. Don’t just think burger joint here… though that is primarily what it is. You can also get a BLT or a Turkey club, along with a variety of sides, like sweet potato fries, salad, fried mushrooms and some traditional favorites. Everything on the menu is made with love and pride.

The right food prepared with love can sooth the soul, and the stomach. These little-known restaurants in Kentucky are all worth a visit according to our readers, and we trust their judgment. You can read about some other must-try tiny diners in Kentucky that we’ve shared before.