1. The Mouthwatering Meats At Smoketown BBQ Are Outta This World
Smoketown USA
1153 Logan St.
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 409-9180
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 230 Reviews.
If you’re a barbecue fan, Smoketown USA is a must-try while in Louisville. With awesome meats and even better sides like the soul greens and the mac n’ cheese, everything on the menu is to die for. Plus, it reasonably priced, so you can indulge as much as you want without blowing your bank.
2. Declaring They Have The Best Fried Chicken In Kentucky Is A Pretty Big Claim, But Bon-Ton Is The Real Deal
Bon-Ton Mini Mart
2036 Madison St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 826-1207
Yelp: 5 Stars, 13 Reviews.
It’s a humble establishment, but don’t let that fool you. Bon-Ton Mini Mart serves up exactly what the customer wants when they order “fried chicken,” with a special blend of spices that can compete with the best.
3. If You Want A Real Hot Brown, Head To The Source
J Graham’s Café
335 W. Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 583-1234
Yelp: 4 Stars, 44 Reviews.
A staple of Kentucky cuisine, the open faced hot brown sandwich is something everyone should try at least once. There’s no better place to find it than the original restaurant that served it, J Graham’s Café, inside of the Brown Hotel.
4. Who Knew The Mayans Ate So Well
Mayan Café
813 E. Market St.
Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 566-0651
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 243 Reviews.
This Latin American restaurant is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. With tons of unique options that can’t really be found anywhere else, it’s fun to try new things. Two of the fan favorites are salbutes and the rabbit, which must be had with a side of the chef’s famous lima beans.
5. This Place Will Have You Wishing You Were German
Wunderbar
1132 Lee St.
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 815-8027
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 96 Reviews.
With giant pretzels, tons of sausage, and of course, beer, Wunderbar is the perfect destination for someone that loves German cuisine. If you can, head there when they’re hosting live music, for one of the best dining experiences around.
6. If You Want My Taco From Luchador, You’ll Have To Wrestle It Away
El Taco Luchador
938 Baxter Ave
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 582-0440
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 131 Reviews.
Nothing can make a great day an amazing day quicker than a few awesome tacos from El Taco Luchador. Regardless of what the tacos are topped with, if they come from this kitchen, they’ll be perfect. Don’t leave without trying the mole fries, as well.
7. Nothing Beats Home Cooking
Home Café & Market Place
2440 Nashville Rd.
Ste. 108
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 846-1272
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 39 Reviews.
With gourmet ingredients and creative dishes, eating at Home Café never gets old. They specialize in high end pizzas and sandwiches, with menu items changing on a regular basis to keep things new and exciting.
8. Hammerheads Is A Carnivores Paradise
Hammerheads
921 Swan St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 365-1112
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 244 Reviews.
Nestled in Louisville’s Germantown, Hammerhead’s serves up some of the best meat cuts around. It’s impossible to go wrong with options like lamb, venison, and elk. Just make sure you save room for an order of truffle fries.
9. Raise A Glass Of Sake To Yamaguchi’s
Yamaguchi’s Sake & Tapas
125 Codell Dr.
Lexington, KY 40509
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 37 Reviews.
Everything is absolutely delicious at Yamaguchi’s, especially the daily specials. With tapas and small plates straight from Japan, they’ve also got the perfect sake to wash down every dish.
10. This Dad Has Amazing Taste In Food
Dad’s Favorites Deli
820 Ln Allen Rd
Ste 148
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 309-1930
Yelp: 5 Stars, 42 Reviews
Dad’s Favorites Deli is a true hidden gem of a lunch spot in Lexington. With options like the asiago pot roast sandwich and the smoky pimento BLT, a quick stop here never disappoints.
11. Every Meal AT Jack Fry’s Looks And Tastes Like A Masterpiece
Jack Fry’s
1007 Bardstown Rd.
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 452-9244
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 195 Reviews
With a stunning presentation for each dish, Jack Fry’s doesn’t cut corners when it comes to the dining experience. With a well-rounded menu and the flavors to match, Jack Fry’s is a great place to head for a special dinner, sure to provide a long-lasting memorable experience.
12. When It Comes To Good Southern Cooking, Bill Knows Best
Bill’s Restaurant
420 Frederica St.
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 852-8120
Yelp: 5 Stars, 28 Reviews.
Bill’s specialty seems to be adding a new twist to famous Southern cuisine. Every dish is delicious, as items like the sea bass almondine will deliver exactly what customers want. It’s hard to keep people away from classics, like their shrimp and grits, a meal that ensures a returning visit.
13. Get Some Good O’ American Grub At The Meadowthorpe Café
Meadowthorpe Café
1415 Leestown Rd.
Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 258-2222
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 46 Reviews.
Meadowthorpe Café is a classic American restaurant, with a menu full of Midwestern favorites. The burgers are great, but the real treasure is found in their brunch options, which are sure to cure any hangover in a hot second.
14. The Cuban Flavors Are So Authentic, You’ll Think You’re Actually In Havana
Havana Rumba
4115 Oechsli Ave.
Louisville, Ky 40207
(502) 897-1959
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 187 Reviews.
With a festive atmosphere and great tropical drinks, Havana Rumba has a huge menu covering all of the Cuban classics. Seafood, beef, pork, chicken, and vegetarian options fill this menu with something to please everyone. Don’t miss out on the Cuban tamales appetizer while you wait for you entrée to arrive.
15. Khin’s Sushi’s Menu Is Really On A Roll
Khin’s Sushi
839 Eastern Bypass
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 396-3923
Yelp: 5 Stars, 24 Reviews.
Khin’s Sushi is one of the best sushi bars around. With reasonable prices and fresh cuts of fish, it’s nearly impossible to stop yourself from continuously ordering more and more rolls until you’re bursting at the seams.
16. Comfort Food With Class Awaits At The Harper House
Harper House
914 S. Main St.
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
(270) 874-2858
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 26 Reviews.
Harper House in Hopkinsville will deliver one of the best meals in the state. Every dish looks beautiful and is comprised of a perfect blend of flavors. With classics like steak, mac n’ cheese, and shrimp and grits, all served with the restaurants own special touch, a trip to Harper House will have you coming back soon for more.
What’s your go-to for great grub in Kentucky? Tell us in the comments below!