Every corner of the Bluegrass State has mouthwatering restaurants. Some of them are known statewide or even country wide, and deservedly so. However, if you need a break from the popular restaurants to try something new, but just as delicious, then check out one of these Kentucky restaurants that are a bit under the radar, but will blow your mind.
1. Seafood Lady, Louisville
Louisville is home to many chefs who are rockstars in the culinary world, but the Seafood Lady could measure up to any of them. This hole-in-wall place started when the owner made seafood boils out of her own kitchen, and lines started wrapping around the block. The Seafood Lady is currently located at 617 W. Oak Street in Louisville, but they will soon be moving to 105 W. Oak Street.
2. Knoth's Bar-B-Que, Grand Riveres
Since Knoth's is located right near Lake Barkley, they have seasonal hours like many of the restaurants in the Land Between the Lakes area. Unfortunately they are currently closed for the winter season, but once the weather warms up in the spring, head down to the lakes and stop in a Knoth's for the some of the best BBQ in western Kentucky. Knoth's is located at 738 US-641, Grand Rivers, KY 42045.
3. Willow Pond Southern Catfish, Hardin
This restaurant right on Kentucky Lake serves amazing catfish and the best hush puppies around. This place is a must-visit if you're in the Land Between the Lakes Area. Willow Pond is located at 16814 US-68, Hardin, KY 42048.
4. The Blue Raven, Pikeville
When you think of "gourmet food in Kentucky," you probably don't think of Pikeville. But the delicious, seasonal menu at this restaurant is worth the drive to far eastern Kentucky. Even the snobbiest of food snobs will love the fresh, Appalachian cuisine here. The Blue Raven is located at 211 Main Street, Pikeville, KY 41501.
5. Hawg Heaven, Crofton
This small diner serves western Kentucky-style barbecue and sides that are to die for. The homemade desserts are amazing too, so be sure to save some room. Hawg Heaven is located at 172 S. Hopkinsville Road, Crofton, KY 42217.
6. Skybridge Station, Pine Ridge
What if someone told you that there is a restaurant that serves only gourmet hot dogs and quesadillas?Don't let the menu selection deter you, because the variety of different kinds of hot dogs and quesadillas is so vast, you could eat there for days and not feel like you've had the same food item several times in a row. They also have a good selection of craft beers on tap, climbing and hiking gear for sale, a hostel upstairs, and a cozy atmosphere. Skybridge Station is located at 8 KY-715 Pine Ridge, KY 41360.
7. Bluebird Cafe, Stanford
Anyone who enjoys farm-to-table food needs to drop everything and visit the Bluebird Cafe right now. Get a delicious meal made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and you'll definitely want to come back. Bluebird Cafe is located at 202 W. Main Street, Stanford, KY 40484.
8. Lisa's 5th Street Diner, Bowling Green
Whether you come for breakfast or lunch, you're going to get good, Southern food, and A LOT of it for a very cheap price. Lisa's 5th Street Diner is located at 430 Center Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101.
9. Black Sheep Bistro, Trenton
This restaurant is a culinary gem in a small Kentucky town. Get some tasty barbecue with a modern twist. The Black Sheep Bistro is located at 100 S. Main Street, Trenton, KY 42286.
10. Jewell's On Main, Warsaw
If you take US-42 out of Louisville (a very scenic alternative to the expressway), you'll eventually stumble upon the town of Warsaw. Jewell's serves delicious regional favorites like meat loaf and shrimp and grits. Jewell's is located at 100 E. Main Street, Warsaw, KY 41095.
11. Wig Wam Drive-In, Ravenna
This drive-in restaurant has a unique exterior and a small dining room. Go here for a classic burger and some killer onion rings. Wig Wam Restaurant is located at 419 3rd Street, Ravenna, KY 40472.
12. Bruen's Restaurant, Stanton
This no-frills restaurant serves down home country cooking as well as items like juicy burgers and chocolate pie. Bruen's Restaurant is located at 8 S. Sipple Street, Stanton, KY 40380.
13. Gold Rush Cafe and Catering, Paducah
This diner is located in downtown Paducah, and has something for everyone. Their breakfasts are out of this world, and they even have things like bread pudding waffles! Gold Rush Cafe is located at 400 Broadway Street, Paducah, KY 42001.
We know there have to be even more outstanding restaurants in Kentucky that are under the radar, so leave your favorites in the comments. Has anyone been to these restaurants before?
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