Here in Kentucky, we take dining pretty seriously. From hole-in-the-wall eateries to fine dining establishments and everything in between, there’s just no shortage of impressive restaurants to try. But if you’re looking for a true dining experience, we have some recommendations you’ll want to try. Not only do the following restaurants serve up incredible food, but they also offer a lot in the way of atmosphere and classic Kentucky hospitality. Without further ado, we present the most unique restaurants in Kentucky.

  1. Claudia Sanders Dinner House

Brent Moore/Flickr Our list of the most unique restaurants in Kentucky starts with the Claudia Sanders Dinner House. This Shelbyville place is all about tradition. After all, Kentucky is the state that put fried chicken on the map. Visit a restaurant that still remains true to its roots. Its southern charm and portions a plenty will keep you coming back. 3202 Shelbyville Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065, USA

  1. Varanese

Ray Sawhill/Flickr This place in Louisville was once a service station in the mid-1950s. It’s now a renovated upscale restaurant with an impressive 25-foot slate waterfall. 2106 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

  1. Brown Hotel

The Brown Hotel/Google Home of the original “Hot Brown” in Louisville, this place offers the best. It also was featured on the food TV show, “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.” Not to mention the breathtaking classic decor. 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

  1. Joe Bologna’s

mr_t_77/Flickr This Italian pizzeria and restaurant is a Lexington favorite and a unique one at that. It harnesses lots of tradition like that of an old-style building appeal and gorgeous preserved stained glass. Joe Bologna’s is a former church (dating back to the late 18th century) and was revamped and is now a historical site. A must-visit! 120 W Maxwell St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

  1. Tolly Ho

S. Johnston/TripAdvisor A Lexington & UK campus tradition since 1971, Tolly Ho is a must-visit. If the name alone doesn’t pique your interest their famous “Tolly-Ho” burger, classic milkshake, or cheddar tots will do the trick. 606 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

  1. 610 Magnolia

Gayot/Flickr The chef of 610 Magnolia, Edward Lee was a contender for Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Located in the heart of the 502, this unique Kentucky restaurant offers a contemporary approach to the southern table. 610 W Magnolia Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA

  1. Proof on Main

Edsel Little/Flickr If you can get past the interesting and surprising artwork at this Louisville establishment’s entrance, you can enjoy an array of cuisine as unique as its décor. When it comes to unique restaurants in Kentucky, it doesn’t get much better than Proof on Main. 702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

  1. Garage Bar

LuAnn Snawder Photography/Flickr Its motto is, “Farm to Garage,” which is quite suitable given the fact that this East Market Louisville hotspot was once an automotive service garage. 700 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

  1. Harland Sanders Cafe

Joel Kramer/Flickr Also a museum in Corbin, this landmark is home to the history-making secret recipe from Colonel Sanders himself started. 688 US-25W, Corbin, KY 40701, USA

Do you agree that these are some of the most unique restaurants in Kentucky? Did any of your favorite places miss the list? If so, be sure to tell us all about them in the comments — we’d love to hear from you! Or, you can fill out a nomination form for the chance to see some of your favorite Kentucky destinations highlighted in future stories.

Brent Moore/Flickr

Our list of the most unique restaurants in Kentucky starts with the Claudia Sanders Dinner House. This Shelbyville place is all about tradition. After all, Kentucky is the state that put fried chicken on the map. Visit a restaurant that still remains true to its roots. Its southern charm and portions a plenty will keep you coming back.

3202 Shelbyville Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065, USA

Ray Sawhill/Flickr

This place in Louisville was once a service station in the mid-1950s. It’s now a renovated upscale restaurant with an impressive 25-foot slate waterfall.

2106 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

The Brown Hotel/Google

Home of the original “Hot Brown” in Louisville, this place offers the best. It also was featured on the food TV show, “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.” Not to mention the breathtaking classic decor.

335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

mr_t_77/Flickr

This Italian pizzeria and restaurant is a Lexington favorite and a unique one at that. It harnesses lots of tradition like that of an old-style building appeal and gorgeous preserved stained glass. Joe Bologna’s is a former church (dating back to the late 18th century) and was revamped and is now a historical site. A must-visit!

120 W Maxwell St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

S. Johnston/TripAdvisor

A Lexington & UK campus tradition since 1971, Tolly Ho is a must-visit. If the name alone doesn’t pique your interest their famous “Tolly-Ho” burger, classic milkshake, or cheddar tots will do the trick.

606 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

Gayot/Flickr

The chef of 610 Magnolia, Edward Lee was a contender for Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Located in the heart of the 502, this unique Kentucky restaurant offers a contemporary approach to the southern table.

610 W Magnolia Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA

Edsel Little/Flickr

If you can get past the interesting and surprising artwork at this Louisville establishment’s entrance, you can enjoy an array of cuisine as unique as its décor. When it comes to unique restaurants in Kentucky, it doesn’t get much better than Proof on Main.

702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

LuAnn Snawder Photography/Flickr

Its motto is, “Farm to Garage,” which is quite suitable given the fact that this East Market Louisville hotspot was once an automotive service garage.

700 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Joel Kramer/Flickr

Also a museum in Corbin, this landmark is home to the history-making secret recipe from Colonel Sanders himself started.

688 US-25W, Corbin, KY 40701, USA

Looking for more dining inspiration? Check out our ultimate guide to the best and most unique restaurants in Kentucky.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

unique restaurants in Kentucky October 06, 2021 Beth C. What are the most famous restaurants in Kentucky? The most famous restaurants in Kentucky include:

Jack Fry’s Hammerheads Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken English Grill Buck’s Restaurant Mayan Cafe Proof on Main Lighthouse Restaurant Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn Old Chicago Wallace Station Deli and Bakery Wild Eggs Rafferty’s Restaurant and Bar of Florence Whistle Stop

Here in Kentucky, we pride ourselves on an impressive culinary scene. From mom-and-pop shops to mouthwatering international cuisine, there’s something for every palette here in the Bluegrass State. If you’re looking to experience some of Kentucky’s most famous and reputable restaurants, we’d recommend any of the above as well as these fine places. Where can I find the best barbecue in Kentucky? The best barbecue in Kentucky includes:

Roadies BBQ Red State BBQ Leigh’s Barbecue Feast BBQ Old Hickory Bar-B-Que Babe’s BBQ FDKY BBQ Momma’s Mustard Pickles & BBQ Shack in the Back BBQ. Durham’s Pit BBQ Smokin’ This and That BBQ Sonny’s BBQ Double H BBQ

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that Kentucky is known the world over for its delectable barbecue. In fact, you can travel to nearly any region of the state and find yourself within close proximity to some of the best barbecue of your life. Need further proof? Check out any of the above restaurants that serve the best barbecue in Kentucky. Looking for more? Check out our list of the best hole-in-the-wall barbecue restaurants in Kentucky. What are the best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky? The best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky include:

Bill’s Restaurant. Located in Owensboro, this restaurant takes Southern food and gives it an upscale twist that is every bit as delicious as a scrumptious Mom & Pop homemade Southern restaurant.  Alfalfa. This Lexington restaurant is the place to go for ample vegan options that are as flavorful and satisfying as the meat options on the menu. Try out the Mushroom Ragout, Hopping John, and Italian Cream cake. Harper House. If you want comfort food that is piled high, yummy as can be, and has a great beer selection, come to this restaurant in Cadiz and leave feeling quite sated and happy. Wunderbar. To get your fix of good German cuisine, go to Covington and try out Wunderbar where Classic German dishes are served alongside great burgers and American breakfasts.

Learn more about the best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

unique restaurants in Kentucky

October 06, 2021

Beth C.

What are the most famous restaurants in Kentucky? The most famous restaurants in Kentucky include:

Jack Fry’s Hammerheads Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken English Grill Buck’s Restaurant Mayan Cafe Proof on Main Lighthouse Restaurant Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn Old Chicago Wallace Station Deli and Bakery Wild Eggs Rafferty’s Restaurant and Bar of Florence Whistle Stop

Here in Kentucky, we pride ourselves on an impressive culinary scene. From mom-and-pop shops to mouthwatering international cuisine, there’s something for every palette here in the Bluegrass State. If you’re looking to experience some of Kentucky’s most famous and reputable restaurants, we’d recommend any of the above as well as these fine places. Where can I find the best barbecue in Kentucky? The best barbecue in Kentucky includes:

Roadies BBQ Red State BBQ Leigh’s Barbecue Feast BBQ Old Hickory Bar-B-Que Babe’s BBQ FDKY BBQ Momma’s Mustard Pickles & BBQ Shack in the Back BBQ. Durham’s Pit BBQ Smokin’ This and That BBQ Sonny’s BBQ Double H BBQ

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that Kentucky is known the world over for its delectable barbecue. In fact, you can travel to nearly any region of the state and find yourself within close proximity to some of the best barbecue of your life. Need further proof? Check out any of the above restaurants that serve the best barbecue in Kentucky. Looking for more? Check out our list of the best hole-in-the-wall barbecue restaurants in Kentucky. What are the best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky? The best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky include:

Bill’s Restaurant. Located in Owensboro, this restaurant takes Southern food and gives it an upscale twist that is every bit as delicious as a scrumptious Mom & Pop homemade Southern restaurant.  Alfalfa. This Lexington restaurant is the place to go for ample vegan options that are as flavorful and satisfying as the meat options on the menu. Try out the Mushroom Ragout, Hopping John, and Italian Cream cake. Harper House. If you want comfort food that is piled high, yummy as can be, and has a great beer selection, come to this restaurant in Cadiz and leave feeling quite sated and happy. Wunderbar. To get your fix of good German cuisine, go to Covington and try out Wunderbar where Classic German dishes are served alongside great burgers and American breakfasts.

Learn more about the best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The most famous restaurants in Kentucky include:

  • Jack Fry’s
  • Hammerheads
  • Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken
  • English Grill
  • Buck’s Restaurant
  • Mayan Cafe
  • Proof on Main
  • Lighthouse Restaurant
  • Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
  • Old Chicago
  • Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
  • Wild Eggs
  • Rafferty’s Restaurant and Bar of Florence
  • Whistle Stop

Here in Kentucky, we pride ourselves on an impressive culinary scene. From mom-and-pop shops to mouthwatering international cuisine, there’s something for every palette here in the Bluegrass State. If you’re looking to experience some of Kentucky’s most famous and reputable restaurants, we’d recommend any of the above as well as these fine places.

Where can I find the best barbecue in Kentucky?

The best barbecue in Kentucky includes:

  • Roadies BBQ
  • Red State BBQ
  • Leigh’s Barbecue
  • Feast BBQ
  • Old Hickory Bar-B-Que
  • Babe’s BBQ
  • FDKY BBQ
  • Momma’s Mustard
  • Pickles & BBQ
  • Shack in the Back BBQ.
  • Durham’s Pit BBQ
  • Smokin’ This and That BBQ
  • Sonny’s BBQ
  • Double H BBQ

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that Kentucky is known the world over for its delectable barbecue. In fact, you can travel to nearly any region of the state and find yourself within close proximity to some of the best barbecue of your life. Need further proof? Check out any of the above restaurants that serve the best barbecue in Kentucky. Looking for more? Check out our list of the best hole-in-the-wall barbecue restaurants in Kentucky.

What are the best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky?

The best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky include:

  • Bill’s Restaurant. Located in Owensboro, this restaurant takes Southern food and gives it an upscale twist that is every bit as delicious as a scrumptious Mom & Pop homemade Southern restaurant.
  • Alfalfa. This Lexington restaurant is the place to go for ample vegan options that are as flavorful and satisfying as the meat options on the menu. Try out the Mushroom Ragout, Hopping John, and Italian Cream cake.
  • Harper House. If you want comfort food that is piled high, yummy as can be, and has a great beer selection, come to this restaurant in Cadiz and leave feeling quite sated and happy.
  • Wunderbar. To get your fix of good German cuisine, go to Covington and try out Wunderbar where Classic German dishes are served alongside great burgers and American breakfasts.

Learn more about the best bucket list restaurants in Kentucky.