We’re pretty lucky in Kentucky when it comes to restaurants that are down home, Southern culinary wonders. There is an abundance of authentic, family-style Southern restaurants in every corner of the state, but these are some of the best that you need to try immediately.

1. Bread of Life Cafe, Liberty

This country eatery may be a little bit off the beaten path, but you definitely don’t want to pass it up. Pile your plate high at their all-you-can-eat buffet, which has BBQ on Wednesdays, seafood on Fridays, and breakfast on Saturday mornings. Bread of Life Cafe is located at 5369 S. Highway 127, Liberty, KY 42539.

2. Patti’s 1880 Settlement, Grand Rivers

This quirky restaurant has an unforgettable atmosphere and unforgettable food. Be sure to try their specialty 2-inch pork chops, flower pot bread, and a slice of one of their delicious varieties of homemade pies. Patti’s is located at 1793 J H O’Bryan Avenue, Grand Rivers, KY 42045.

3. Lighthouse Restaurant, Edmonton

This restaurant located in the Sulpher Well Historic District is a must-stop for traditional Southern food. Try a family-style meal at one of their Lazy Susan tables. Lighthouse Restaurant is located at 1500 Sulpher Well Knob Lick Road, Edmonton, KY 42129.

4. Blue and White Grill, Hazel

The small town of Hazel is located right on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee in western Kentucky. Try the catfish or a piece of homemade cornbread that tastes like your grandmother made it. Blue and White Grill is located at 318 Main Street, Hazel, KY 42049.

5. Country Store Restaurant, Bradfordsville

This country restaurant gets nothing but rave reviews, so you know you're going to have some great food here. Whether it's the steak, catfish, one of their many sides, or a huge slice of coconut cream pie, all of their menu items are to die for. The Country Store is located at 205 W. Main Street, Bradfordsville, KY 40009.

6. Hawg Heaven, Crofton

Experience true Southern hospitality at this BBQ joint that also serves country favorites such as catfish, meatloaf, and mac and cheese. Hawg Heaven is located at 172 S. Madisonville Street, Crofton, KY 42217.

7. Michael’s Restaurant, Ravenna

Check out this country restaurant and buffet in eastern Kentucky. You'll be able to get all the classic Southern favorites: country ham, fried catfish, fried chicken, meatloaf, and more. Be sure to save room for banana pudding or pie! Michael's is located at 100 3rd Street, Ravenna, KY 40472.

8. Mammy's Kitchen, Bardstown

This well-known Bardstown establishment has a barnyard theme, and serves hearty American food. Try the country-fried steak or country-fried chicken with a glass of sweet tea, and you'll be golden. Mammy's Kitchen is located at 116 W. Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004.

9. Our Best Restaurant, Smithfield

They call it "Our Best Restaurant" for a reason! Try the cornmeal-fried catfish and their pancake-style cornbread. Our Best Restaurant is located at 5728 Smithfield Road, Smithfield, KY 40068.

11. The Whistle Stop, Glendale

This restaurant is in a historic building and has been around for more than 30 years. Be sure to try their fried green tomatoes and fried okra, an open-faced roast beef sandwich, or a famous Kentucky Hot Brown. The Whistle Stop is located at 216 E. Main Street, Glendale, KY 42740.

12. Billy Ray’s, Prestonsburg

This restaurant is located in downtown Prestonsburg, right along the Levisa Fork. Save room for pie after eating some pot roast or a big burger! Billy Ray's is located at 101 N. Front Street, Prestonsburg, KY 41653.

13. Traditions Family Restaurant, Alexandria

Traditions isn't far from Cincinnati, but people have driven from all over to eat here. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but their breakfasts are out of this world and very reasonably priced. Traditions Family Restaurant is located at 11500 Alexandria Pike, 41001.

What do you think? Have you been to any of these places before, and do they rival your grandmother's cooking?