Narrowing down all the amazing restaurants in Kentucky to just 15 is no easy task. However, these restaurants have all been featured by us at least once in 2016, and people travel from all over the state to eat at them. We've compiled this list of Kentucky restaurants that people absolutely love so that you can add them to your dining bucket list in 2017.
1. Miguel's Pizza, Slade
This build-your-own pizza restaurant in Slade may be in the middle of nowhere, but it is so worth the journey. If you're visiting the Red River Gorge or Natural Bridge State Resort Park, a trip to Miguel's is the perfect way to refuel after a grueling hike or climb. Miguel's Pizza is located at 1890 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY 40376.
2. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, Bardstown
For a completely unique dining experience, check out My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown. This gourmet restaurant on wheels serves up great food in a vintage train car on a 37-mile round trip excursion. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is a great thing to do year round, but it is especially gorgeous in the autumn to see fall foliage. The station where you can catch the Dinner Train is located at 602 N. 3rd Street, Bardstown, KY 40004. You must reserve your spot beforehand.
3. The Brown Hotel, Louisville
Stop in at this beautiful historic hotel in downtown Louisville to indulge in one of Kentucky's most famous dishes, the Hot Brown. The Hot Brown was created at the Brown Hotel by Fred K. Schmidt in 1926. This open-faced sandwich consists of turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce, and tomatoes on Texas toast, and is baked until golden brown and crispy. The Brown Hotel is located at 335 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202.
4. Patti's 1880's Settlement, Grand Rivers
A trip to the Land Between the Lakes area is not complete without a stop at Patti's. This restaurant is located in an unforgettable setting and is so much more than just a restaurant - you can shop, play mini golf, and even visit a petting zoo. Be sure to try their famous 2-inch pork chops and giant pies. Patti's 1880's Settlement is located at 1793 J H O'Bryan Avenue, Grand Rivers, KY 42045.
5. Red State BBQ, Lexington
This little barbecue joint in Lexington may have an unassuming exterior, but don't let that keep you from going inside. This place has down home cooking, and some of the best barbecue in Kentucky. Try their brisket sandwich on a pretzel bun and you will not be disappointed. Red State BBQ is located at 4020 Georgetown Road, Lexington, KY 40511.
6. Old Talbott Tavern, Bardstown
Old Talbott Tavern was built in 1779, making it the oldest restaurant in Kentucky. Eat some Southern cooking and sip a bourbon in this historic tavern that has housed the likes of Jesse James, Andrew Jackson, Stephen Foster, and even Abraham Lincoln. Old Talbott Tavern is located at 107 W. Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004.
7. Lighthouse Restaurant, Sulphur Well
You may not expect a tiny town like Sulphur Well to have one of the most mouthwatering restaurants in the state, but it sure does. Lighthouse Restaurant has down home country cooking that can be served family style at a Lazy Susan table. Lighthouse Restaurant is located at 1500 Sulphur Well Knob Lick Road, Sulphur Well Historic District, KY 42129.
8. Adams Breezy Hill Farm and Restaurant, Princeton
This western Kentucky farm is also a delicious restaurant. Enjoy the scenery while you eat a tasty burger, brick-oven pizza, or homemade ice cream. Oh, and the sweet tea is always free with your meal. Adams Breezy Hill Farm and Restaurant is located at 1222 Cadiz Road, Princeton, KY 42445.
9. Missy's Out Of The Way Cafe, Raywick
As soon as you walk into Missy's, it is clear that it just might be the quirkiest restaurant in Kentucky. The wacky decor covers the walls and ceilings, and makes your dining experience one-of-a-kind. Definitely try the Steak Nicole with a loaded baked potato. Missy's Out Of The Way Cafe is located at 860 Horseshoe Bend Road, Raywick, KY 40060.
10. Asiatique, Louisville
This sleek and modern Asian-fusion restaurant is tucked away off Bardstown Road in Louisville's popular Highlands neighborhood. Enjoy unique and delicious dishes in their stylish dining rooms or relaxing patio. It's also on Louisville's Urban Bourbon Trail, so complete your Asiatique experience with a specialty cocktail. Asiatique is located at 1767 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40205.
11. Blue Raven, Pikeville
When you think of Pikeville, you may not immediately think of a modern, gourmet, farm-to-table restaurant with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The Blue Raven is a jewel of eastern Kentucky that is still a bit under the radar, but is definitely the place to stop if you find yourself hungry in the far eastern corner of the state. Blue Raven is located at 211 Main Street, Pikeville, KY 41501.
12. The Whistle Stop, Glendale
The Whistle Stop is a landmark in the historic town of Glendale. You've got to experience the whimsical atmosphere while eating classic Southern favorites like catfish and country ham. Don't forget to save room for dessert! The Whistle Stop is located at 216 E. Main Street, Glendale, KY 42740.
13. Dave's Sticky Pig, Madisonville
Western Kentucky is famous for its barbecue. Dave's Sticky Pig is more under the radar than some of the bigger BBQ joints in Owensboro, but their food is just as good. Dave's Sticky Pig is located at 206 Madison Square Drive, Madisonville, KY 42431.
14. Hall's On The River, Winchester
Like its name suggests, Hall's is located right on the Kentucky River in Winchester. It is a stop on the beer cheese trail, so be sure to sample some during your visit at Hall's. Hall's On The River is located at 1225 Athens Boonesboro Road, Winchester, KY 40391.
15. Garage Bar, Louisville
For a unique and casual dining experience, visit this restaurant and bar that is located in a renovated garage. It is in Louisville's hip NuLu neighborhood, and offers a fun patio complete with ping pong. Garage Bar is best known for its wood-fired pizzas, craft beer, and delicious mixed drinks. It is located at 700 E. Market Street, Louisville, KY 40202.
Make 2017 the tastiest year yet by stopping at these 15 Kentucky restaurants. Let us know what other places you plan to visit in the New Year!
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