Kentucky is known for its friendly, laid-back nature, along with restaurants serving fantastic food and southern-style cooking. Good cooking doesn’t just apply to the mom and pop places and local diners. There are some restaurants scattered across the state that have traditional down-home cooking, while others utilize a well-trained chef. Depending on your tastes, both can be absolutely divine to dine at, and a few should be considered must-visit Kentucky restaurants. Want to try the best local restaurants in Kentucky? While it may be a matter of opinion, the following eateries are fan favorites. Here are five of the best places to eat in Kentucky that everyone should try at least once:

1. Beaumont Inn at 638 Beaumont Inn Drive in Harrodsburg

Beaumont Inn, 638 Beaumont Inn Dr, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA
Beaumont Inn/Facebook
Beaumont Inn/Facebook
This B&B has been filling bellies with fantastic food since 1918. It is the longest family-owned-and-operated bed and breakfast in Kentucky, and some of the elders' recipes have been handed down. You will find their Yellow Legged Fried Chicken, Two Year Old Country Ham, and Corn Pudding all to be worth the journey. Some people get a little concerned over the age of the ham… but once you taste it, all thoughts other than, "Yum!" cease to exist. Dig into something delicious at the Beaumont Inn just once and your taste buds will surely be begging for another future visit. It's no secret why many locals consider this charming eatery to be one of the best local restaurants in Kentucky.

2. Stella’s Kentucky Deli at 143 Jefferson Street in Lexington

Stella's Kentucky Deli, 143 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
Stella's Kentucky Deli/Facebook
Stella's Kentucky Deli/Facebook
If you ever lived on a farm or simply enjoyed fresh farm-to-table meals, you know there is no substitute. The good people at Stella’s know this too, and that is exactly how they feed their customers. Every meal is fresh, flavorful, and grown or raised with love and nurturing hands. You may not believe this if you never experienced it, but you can truly taste the difference. Their house-made specialty sodas, such as Mint Ginger Ale, are incredible... and you won’t want to drink regular Coke again. The salads and freshly made dressings are out of this world also. To be honest, there is nothing that tastes bad at Stella’s, from their fried green tomato grilled cheese to their specialties. This is simply one of the best country restaurants in Kentucky!

3. Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant on 100 Main Street in Berea

Historic Boone Tavern, 100 N Main St, Berea, KY 40403, USA
Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant of Berea College/Facebook

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Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant of Berea College/Facebook
This century-old historic establishment has been in business that long for a very good reason… the food is to die for! Many of the ingredients used come directly from the farm at Berea College, so they are fresh and flavorful. It is also a LEED Gold Green hotel and restaurant, meaning they go about things in the most natural and sustainable way possible. They even have a pastry chef specifically for their list of melt-in-the-mouth desserts. You can come for a weekend stay, or an individual meal, but either way… you should come to Boone Tavern. Don't forget to bring your appetite! This is one of the best restaurants in Kentucky.

4. Harper House at 123A D.J. Everett Drive in Cadiz

123 D.J. Everett Dr, Cadiz, KY 42211, USA
Harper House/Facebook
Harper House/Facebook
Come hungry to Harper House! This fine establishment offers all the classics such as steaks, burgers, shrimp and grits, real mac and cheese, and country vegetables. Since 2009, locals and visitors alike have flocked to this southern-style eatery in great quantities to sample its delicious menu. Don't forget to grab a beer at Harper House! Those pair perfectly with sides like cheese curds and shoestring fries, but then again, all comfort food pairs well with a good beer. Whatever you decide to try, know that you're in for a treat at this beloved dining destination.

5. Wunderbar! at 1132 Lee Street in Covington

Wunderbar!, 1132 Lee St, Covington, KY 41011, USA
Wunderbar Covington/Facebook
Wunderbar Covington/Facebook
I could say bella, bella even sehr wunderbar to the food at this authentic, charming eatery. If you like German cuisine, this is the go-to place for that type of food. Anyone who has experienced German cooking will tell you, this is authenticity at its best. They can even make you enjoy Brussels sprouts at Wunderbar Covington! Of course, you can't go wrong with more familiar foods like burgers at this cozy local joint. In just one visit, you'll fall in love with the offerings at this globally-inspired dining destination. Believe it or not, there are all sorts of incredible local restaurants in Kentucky that specialize in ethnic cuisine... even though we're known primarily for old-fashioned southern-style cookin'.

These must-visit restaurants are some of the best places to eat in Kentucky and all offer a delicious variety of cuisine. We have so many wonderful dining establishments spread across the state; that it was difficult to decide who to feature. This combination offers different types of food to appeal to a variety of palettes. Have you ever been to any of the above? If not, what do you consider to be the best local restaurants in Kentucky? Tell us in the comments!

Can’t get enough of Kentucky cuisine? We don’t blame you one bit. Add in a dash of fun and visit our wackiest and quirkiest restaurants for more deliciousness.

If you plan on visiting any of these restaurants and want to take a getaway, check out the selection of vacation rentals on Vrbo.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Local Restaurants In Kentucky

Nikki Rhoades | November 22, 2020

What are the most unique restaurants in Kentucky?

When most people imagine dining in The Bluegrass State, they envision a few familiar dishes. Typically, soul food and southern cuisine dominate expectations... but we offer so much more in terms of dining, and some local eateries have atmospheres that are downright surprising, including:

  • Flamingo Row features a tropical milieu, complete with hand-painted murals in bright, summery colors. Their menu has playful names for every dish, and their bar is overflowing with tropical drinks.
  • Pompilio's. While best known as the location of the iconic toothpick scene in "Rainman," Pompilio’s is a place well worth visiting in its own right. It's *the* place to go for authentic Italian cuisine in the Bluegrass.
  • The Brown Hotel. From premier fine dining in the English Grill to the effortless elegance of J. Graham’s Café to the jaw-dropping glamour of the Lobby Bar and Grill, The Brown Hotel is home to Louisville’s most exceptional and memorable dining experiences, and a bucket-list must!
  • Starnes Barbecue. Most legendary BBQ in Kentucky, period.
  • Wallace Station Deli and Bakery. Best pimento cheese sandwiches in Kentucky!
  • Patti's. There's no place in Kentucky quite like Patti's, a long-standing Bluegrass favorite. Patti's is so much more than a restaurant that has earned statewide and national recognition for food and hospitality, and truly is one of the best country restaurants in Kentucky. From the appetizers to desserts, their food earns rave reviews; Patti's is known for Southern-style cooking, offering items like steak and potatoes, catfish fillets, and their specialty two-inch pork chops. Make sure you get a side of their flowerpot bread -- and be sure to bring your appetite, as the portions at Patti's are as big as the restaurant's hospitality!
  • Sanders Cafe. Here in Kentucky, we know our fried chicken. Not to brag, but we’re kind of world-famous for it. And in the Bluegrass, the Sanders Cafe is a place that belongs on every Kentuckian’s bucket (of fried chicken) list — not simply because it’s the amazing restaurant that birthed a culinary legend, but also because it has its own museum that’s devoted to all things fried chicken!
  • The Freight House. Owned and operated by Bluegrass chef (and "Top Chef Kentucky" runner-up) Sara Bradley, at The Freight House, you’ll dine on down-home Kentucky cuisine. From cornbread and grits to burgers and fried chicken, everything on this menu feels like a big, warm hug! The Nashville Hot Chicken is an absolute must-try, and the deviled eggs are downright, well, sinful.

This is just the beginning of the dining deliciousness you'll find in Kentucky... what are your favorite KY restaurants?

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