Sometimes you'll find the best food in the most unexpected places. You might eat the best meal of your life in a tiny, unassuming restaurant on the outskirts of a sleepy town in the middle nowhere. These 12 places in Kentucky are all on roads less traveled and may seem a bit out of the way, but you'll definitely want to stop and try them.
If you're exploring the Red River Gorge area, stop here for some amazing farm-to-table pub grub, breakfast, and craft beers. It's easy to pass right up and has a modest exterior, but the inside is new, clean, and modern, and will almost make you forget you're in the middle of nowhere. Red River Rockhouse is located at 4000 KY-11, Campton, KY 41301.
Fill up on down home Southern cooking at this buffet-style restaurant that's about 5.5 miles outside the small town of Liberty. In 2015, it was named the Best Non-Franchise Restaurant in the state by Kentucky Living Magazine. Bread of Life Cafe is located at 5369 US-127, Liberty, KY 42539.
Sulphur Well is a small community about 11 miles outside of Edmonton. The journey down winding country roads is so worth it once you reach Lighthouse Restaurant. Authentic country cooking is served "family style," basically meaning it's all-you-can-eat. People rave about their country ham and say it's worth it to drive from anywhere in the state. Lighthouse Restaurant is located at 1500 Sulphur Well Knob Lick Road in the Sulphur Well Historic District, KY 42129.
You'll know you're in the right place if you feel completely lost. This little hole-in-the-wall catfish joint is on a narrow road in southern rural Kentucky. Locals love this place and say it's the best catfish they've ever eaten. Harper's is located at 3085 Old Gallatin Road, Scottsville, KY 42164.
The reopening of this cafe in eastern Kentucky earlier this year made Jenkins residents feel like they had one of their favorite gathering places back. Come here to get sodas, hand-dipped milkshakes, a burger and french fries, or Southern-style food like country fried steak. Cavalier Drugstore and Cafe is located at 9500 Highway 805, Jenkins, KY 41537.
As you can tell from their name, they are definitely "out of the way." It's about 23 miles from Bardstown, 16 miles from Lebanon, and 24 miles from Campbellsville. However, if you make the drive out to Missy's, you will be rewarded with juicy steaks and potatoes, pies, and quirky decor. Missy's Out Of The Way Cafe is located at 860 Horseshoe Bend Road, Raywick, KY 40060.
Miguel's is a gem of the Red River Gorge, and is a popular climbing hangout. This build-your-own pizza restaurant is a perfect place to refuel after an exhausting hike or climb. Miguel's Pizza is located at 1890 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY 40376.
This restaurant is a favorite in the Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes area. Their catfish is amazing, and they even have a fried catfish option that is gluten-free. Like many restaurants in the Kentucky Lake area, they have different off-season hours, so be sure to check their Facebook page or call ahead to make sure they're open before making the drive. Catfish Kitchen is located at 136 Teal Run, Benton, KY 42025.
If you're ever visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, it is worth driving the 25 minutes or so to Mama Lou's. This hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint may not look like much from the outside, but inside you will get traditional barbecue and filling options like a pulled pork loaded baked potato. Mama Lou's is located at 5112 S. Jackson Highway, Horse Cave, KY 42749.
Like the Catfish Kitchen, The Dinner Bell is a Kentucky Lake jewel. Unfortunately they are closed for the winter until March, but next summer when you're visiting Kentucky Lake, be sure to stop here to get country dishes such as fried catfish, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and more.
Like the name suggests, this restaurant serves country food and a pretty good breakfast too. If you find yourself near the Kentucky-Tennessee border in Daniel Boone National Forest, give this place a try. Ole Country Cafe is located at 1939 E. Highway 92, Pine Knot, KY 42635.
This place may not be like to other restaurants on this list, but it's still worth a stop. It's more like a country store where you can buy farm-fresh foods, homemade jellies and jams, and other items. However, they occasionally make pizzas that they're famous for, and you don't want to miss that. Dogwood Valley Trading Post is located at 4551 State Route 109 N, Clay, KY 42404.
If you find yourself traveling through Kentucky and you're even remotely close to any of these places, they are so worth a detour. Your taste buds will thank you.
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Has anyone been to these restaurants before? What other good place to eat are there that are off the beaten path?
The New Louisville Location of Locals Food Hub and Pizza Pub Brings Fresh, Local Eats to a Food Desert
Locals Food Hub and Pizza Pub opened its second location in Louisville's Smoketown neighborhood, a food desert. The restaurant serves delicious wood-fired pizzas, salads, and soups. It also has a grocery where shoppers can buy fresh, nutritious, Kentucky produce and products.
To some people, pizza is an entire food group. I happen to be one of those people. Something about the combination of the crispy crust, slightly sweet and acidic sauce, and gooey cheese makes my taste buds sing. Recently, the second location of a fantastic pizza restaurant opened in Louisville, Kentucky, and its mission goes beyond serving delicious, hearty pizzas. Locals Food Hub and Pizza Pub is both a restaurant and a grocery store stocked with Kentucky-grown produce and products.
The restaurant's first location opened in 2021 in Frankfort, Kentucky. The new location is in the Smoketown neighborhood of Louisville, a certified food desert. In both locations, Locals Food Hub and Pizza Pub works to bring high-quality, local food to the communities it serves, help farmers find local places to consistently sell their products, and provide a space for people to gather around local food.
The pizza restaurant serves many incredible dishes. The appetizer menu includes wings, meatballs, artichoke dip, and pretzels with beer cheese. The incredible wood-fired pizza menu has more standard and unique options, like the Kentucky Hot Brown, which features pulled local chicken, local bacon, mozzarella, and a mornay sauce. The restaurant also serves soup and salads, like the Kentucky Cobb and Locals Caesar.
The grocery store is located in the back of Local's Food Hub and Pizza Pub and is stocked with great food. Shoppers can peruse fresh cheeses, milk, produce, and pantry items. The business works to make these foods as accessible to community members as possible. A pay-it-forward board allows customers to leave behind funds for other shoppers to buy food. The grocery store accepts SNAP, and shoppers can double their shopping capacity at the store through the Kentucky Double Dollars program. Locals Food Hub and Pizza Pub also collects donations through its Local Food Forward program to help underserved community members buy nutritious foods.
The Louisville and Frankfort restaurants offer catering services, a fantastic way to bring local food to gatherings. Additionally, the business has an event space that customers can book to hold parties and gatherings.
Smoketown is a unique and historic neighborhood in Louisville. Shirley Mae's Cafe and Bar, Atrium Brewing, and Toasty's Tavern are fantastic restaurants and bars in the area. The Logan Street Market is also an incredible 25,000-square-foot public market where visitors can buy local food, drinks, and artisan wares.
If you're interested in staying overnight near the Smoketown neighborhood, check out this three-bedroom, two-bathroom Airbnb home. It accommodates up to eight people and has a hot tub and a fenced-in outdoor space.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
