Most People Don’t Know These Small Towns In Kentucky Have AMAZING Restaurants
By Jenn Shockley|Published March 15, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Small towns in Kentucky have much to offer both residents and visitors, from our state’s history to good, old fashioned home cooking restaurants. When you are new to an area, it can be a challenge to find quality places to eat. Guessing where to go can often lead to dissatisfaction or an unpleasant experience, but occasionally we hit the jackpot.
Here are 10 small towns in Kentucky that have amazing restaurants:
Hodgenville offers an abundance of delightful dining such as, Arrowhead Archery and BBQ, Hodgenville Grill, and the renowned Lincoln Jamboree. There is an abundance of fast food available too, but these three restaurants offer ambiance and meals you won’t soon forget.
Pikeville has renowned for its coal commodities, but it offers some excellent food resources as well. You will find fantastic food at Pig in a Poke, Windmill Family Restaurant, Blue Raven Restaurant and Pub, and, lest we forget, the Happy Days Diner. All provide friendly service and generous portions.
Burkesville has no shortage of great eateries available, like El Rey for Mexican and Jones for southern cuisine. When it comes to barbecue you might find more difficult decisions choosing between Hamilton’s Bar B Q and Capps BBQ. Both are delicious.
There are a few spots in Murray to get home cooked meals like your Grandmother use to make. Martha’s Restaurant, Mugsy’s Hideout, Holmes Family Restaurant, Tom’s Grill, Baldy’s Grill and we cannot forget Bad Bob’s BBQ (Which there is nothing bad about.). All offer quality cuisine at a reasonable price with fast, friendly service.
Midway is home to several great places you might be surprised by. Heirloom has unique food combinations like a crab cake sandwich, jalapeno coleslaw and buttermilk brined fried chicken. Holly Hill Inn has locally sourced food for their patrons, which makes it twice as good.
You cannot beat Granny’s Diner for a traditional southern meal but Cloud’s Country Cooking is a close second. The Olde Bus Station and Owls Tavern also offer some tasty traditional favorites that are filling and leave you with a desire to come again soon.
This small town is big on pizza at Giovanni’s and for Chinese, they prefer Hong Kong. Beyond that and the standard fast food, people tend to travel to Ashland for variety. Giovanni’s definitely has its charm though.
Burning Bush Grill, Gracious Plenty, and the Blackstone Grille are great places to enjoy lunch or dinner. One of our favorites is Cunningham’s Creekside Grille, which has fish fingers and fried oysters that keep us going back when possible.
Berea is not only the folk art capital of Kentucky, but it also offers some unique dining experiences. You can enjoy southern fare at the Main Street Café, Mexican at Mariachi’s and fabulous Italian at Papalenos, and that is just the beginning.
Bardstown is possibly the most famous small town in Kentucky, offering a variety of history and fantastic dining experiences. If you are ever in the area, don’t hesitate to try Down Home Barbecue, Kurtz Restaurant, Old Talbott Tavern and Restaurant, Rickhouse Restaurant and Lounge, Mammy’s Kitchen and the wonderful comfort food of Geris Place.
If you happen to visit these small towns in Kentucky, you will find the restaurants above provide an amazing dining experience. Granted everyone has an off day, but I cannot imagine getting a bad meal at any one of these. What is your favorite small town place to dine in Kentucky?
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