Dig into Kentucky’s rich heritage with the Historic Dining Guide—where local eats meet landmark spaces. From timeless tales to treasured tastes, these spots serve up history one bite at a time.
Holly Hill Inn (Midway)
Ingredients don’t get more local than this! The seasonal American dishes at Holly Hill Inn feature fresh produce, herbs, and flowers from the nearly two-acre garden located right outside. Nearby farms supply the rest, from cheeses to mushrooms to meat. Enjoy veal sweetbreads or slow-cooked pork belly in one of the intimate dining rooms, each converted from the former living spaces in this 19th-century Greek Revival home. A 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality!
Beaumont Inn (Harrodsburg)
Once a women’s college, the charming Beaumont Inn now welcomes guests to stay or dine, surrounded by 19th-century splendor. Three onsite dining locations share a single award-winning menu, boasting southern fare like two-year country ham and “yellow-legged” fried chicken—both original recipes passed down for five generations. Enjoy your meal in the formal Main Dining Room with period features, in the lively Old Owl Tavern, or at the wood-paneled bar in cozy pub The Owl’s Nest.
Talbott Tavern (Bardstown)
Treat yourself to a southern feast at the world’s oldest bourbon bar, dating back to 1779. Stone walls, creaking floorboards, and wood rafters overhead take you right back to the 18th century. You’ll find crisp fried green tomatoes, savory Daniel Boone pot roast, and their signature Kentucky burgoo—a slow-cooked meat and veggie stew. Sit inside or on the welcoming porch overlooking the historic Nelson County Courthouse, and choose a dram from their 200+ whiskey bottles.
The Seelbach Hotel (Louisville)
The Seelbach Hotel has attracted both the famous and the infamous since opening its doors in 1905. Today, this luxurious Beaux Arts-style hotel is home to The Old Seelbach Bar, a carefully restored early turn of the century pub. Here you can try local Louisville favorites like a signature Hot Brown on Texas toast, Kentucky Burgoo with sorghum-drizzled corn muffins, and decadent Derby Pie. Enjoy alongside a drink from the expansive bourbon wall behind the bar.
Billy Ray’s Restaurant (Prestonsburg)
Opened in 1927 as a pool hall and arcade, Billy Ray’s Restaurant is now a full-service family-run diner. But you can still get the Original Pool Room Burger, an old-fashioned hand-patted hamburger that’s been served here for almost 100 years. Try more American classics like open-faced roast beef served with mashed potatoes and Texas toast, or a juicy 20-oz prime rib. For dessert, the apple dumpling is a must—it’s a breaded and fried Granny Smith apple topped with vanilla ice cream.
Fat Patty’s (Ashland)
Housed in the enigmatic 19th-century McCleary Building, Fat Patty’s brings a family-friendly pub vibe to downtown Asheville. Their specialty? Half-pound burgers on brioche buns, piled high with decadent fixings. Try the Big Dill Patty topped with fried pickles, bacon, and chipotle ranch. Or combine sweet and savory with the Jammin’ Patty slathered in bourbon bacon jam, beer cheese, and crispy onions. With plenty of TVs for game day, it’s the perfect spot for craft brews and comfort food.
Lisse Staekhuis (Covington)
Where in Covington can you see a (replica) Rembrandt? At Lisse Steakhuis, a Dutch-meets-American fine dining restaurant in a 19th-century Italianate building. Inspired by the owner’s hometown of Lisse, Holland, the menu blends local ingredients with beloved Dutch recipes. Steaks are named for the great Dutch masters, and pair well with hutspot—a traditional carrot, potato, and onion mash. Finish with moist boterkoek, a decadent butter cake, or with whiskey in the Cigar Lounge!
Carmelo’s Restaurant (Covington)
Tucked inside the 1856 Odd Fellows Hall building, Carmelo’s Restaurant is a taste of Italy in modern-day Covington. Crumbling plaster walls reveal original 19th-century brick, while soft lighting gives a cozy glow to three intimate dining rooms. The Garlic Soup is a must—a creamy potato base with garlic five ways. Then dig into 101-Layer Lasagna, with alternating noodles, vegetable ragu, bechamel, and tomato sauce. Don’t skip the house-made tiramisu…it’s a Sicilian family recipe.
Boyd’s Tavern at The Red Brick Inn (Cadiz)
The subterranean tavern at The Red Brick Inn (c. 1798-1804) started life as a speakeasy. Thanks to a low wooden ceiling and tiny footprint, this hideaway still feels like a secret. There’s no regular menu here—instead, fresh dinner specials rotate weekly. You could find pizza with beloved sourdough crust, fresh sushi, or a fish fry, all made with local ingredients and Amish produce when available. It’s a historic refuge where you can escape the summer heat or keep cozy during the winter months.
Kirchhoff’s Bakery & Deli (Paducah)
Handmade artisan bread, hearty soups, and heaping deli sandwiches are the daily fare at Kirchhoff’s Bakery & Deli. This family-owned staple was part of the Paducah landscape from 1873 to 1957, and reopened in its original location in 1997. Pop in for soup and a sandwich in the welcoming historic deli, or take home a crusty loaf of Rustic Olive, Garlic Tuscan, or Cinnamon Raisin bread. And peruse the bakery cases for pastries, cookies, and sweet treats baked fresh daily!
Harlan County Beer Company (Harlan)
Kentucky may have a long legacy of bootlegging, but it’s nice to know your drink is on the right side of the law. At Harlan County Beer Company, you can enjoy a pint at the county’s first legal brewery since Prohibition. Take a seat in the spacious beer hall under rustic posts and wheel chandeliers, located inside a beautifully restored 100-year-old building on the courthouse square. There you’ll enjoy hearty burgers and loaded mac n’ cheese alongside a kölsch or IPA from the onsite brewery.
Harland Sanders Cafe & Museum (Corbin)
Every success story starts somewhere, and for Colonel Harland Sanders (of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame) it started right here. From 1940 to 1956, Col. Sanders owned and operated The Harland Sanders Cafe, where he developed his famous Original Recipe. Today, you can get a classic bucket of crispy chicken, warm rolls, and gooey mac n’ cheese in the modern KFC or the mid-century dining room. Then tour the onsite museum to explore the Colonel’s replica 1940s kitchen and see plenty of KFC memorabilia.
Brothers (Campbellsville)
The 1895 Coakley and Durham building has been a retail hub for generations. Today, this downtown anchor houses Brothers, a welcoming barbecue joint combining Texas brisket, North Carolina pulled pork, and Kansas City sauce into a meaty fusion. In a simple dining room with a historic tin ceiling and original brick walls, you can dig into a slab of St. Louis ribs or a BBQ sandwich heaped with melted cheese and sweet or spicy sauce. To find it? Just follow the smoked meat aroma down Main Street.
The Urban Stillhouse (Somerset)
Upscale American bistro The Urban Stillhouse combines rusticity and elegance. Once a longtime local furniture store, you’ll now find an elegant dining room with warm wooden beams and luxurious leather sofas. The menu keeps things simple yet unexpected, like fried whole quail with chicken and pear stuffing, or bison filet with Lyonnaise fingerling potatoes and herby bourbon butter. Sip cocktails featuring Horse Soldier bourbon from the company distillery in front of the handsome stone fireplace!
Spencer’s Coffee (Bowling Green)
Perk yourself up at Spencer’s Coffee, a welcoming cafe in downtown Bowling Green. Exposed brick, wood floors, and an Italianate exterior reveal this building’s 1870s roots. There are plenty of tables, so you can enjoy an iced matcha and biscuit sandwich while you work or study. Or watch the activity at Fountain Square from the counter by the tall arched windows. Don’t leave without a cream cheese danish or cinnamon roll!
Ariella Restaurant (Russellville)
From the outside, Ariella Restaurant boasts historic Italianate features that harken back to its turn-of-the-century origins. Inside, you’ll find a cozy family eatery, right out of a small European town. Their Italian menu boasts some of the area’s best seafood, like crab cakes, deep-sea diver scallops, and lobster bisque. Plus, you’ll find classics like meaty lasagna and fettuccine alfredo with chicken, shrimp, crab, or smoked salmon. Crunch into a cannoli before you slide out of your booth!
The Famous Bistro (Owensboro)
At The Famous Bistro, Mediterranean flavors meet Kentucky hospitality in a 1940s downtown building. This family-owned Owensboro gem has served scratch-made cuisine since 1993 in an intimate space adorned with eclectic Greek art and photos. Savor locally sourced steaks, fresh seafood, or specialties like flaky spanakopita bites and Athena pizza with fresh garlic, feta, and balsamic glaze. On sunny days, the street-front patio offers the perfect spot to sip a local beer and watch the world go by.
Main Street Sweet Treats & Eats (Dawson Springs)
When you spot the beautifully restored 1958 Ford Fairlane out front, you’ll know you’ve reached Main Street Sweet Treats & Eats. The building is from the 1890s, the vibes are from the 1950s, and the goodies inside were just baked today. Step up to the counter to choose thick slices of cake, gooey brownies, and plenty of fudge. They also make special seasonal treats, like chocolate bunnies for Easter and chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine’s Day. Leave your diet at the door!
