Let’s be real, Kentucky and Tennessee have some good eats.
Only In Your State released their opinion on some famous Kentucky restaurants that are totally worth waiting in line for.
Some of the ones highlighted that are in and around Beaver Country are:
1. Big Dipper
Located at 2820 W. Parrish Ave. in Owensboro, KY, Big Dipper is known for their burgers, shakes and onion rings. It’s been around for generations with visitors that keep coming back, willing to wait in as long a line as necessary, for a true nostalgic dining experience.
2. Hammerheads
A little outside of Beaver Country, but worth the trip, is Hammerheads diner, located at 921 Swan St. in Louisville, KY. It’s a basement restaurants known for the hammerhead shark that watches over the door. Menu items that keep bringing people back are the elk burger, mac & cheese balls, or their tacos.
3. The Whistle Stop
Located at 216 E. Main St. in Glendale, KY, this train-themed treasure boasts a whimsical atmosphere with some dang good homemade food.
4. El Taco Luchador
Another one in Louisville, this taco shop is almost always guaranteed to have a long line. With two locations, 938 Baxter Ave. and 112 Meridian Ave., the wait times have shortened, but not by much, though it’s totally worth the wait.
5. The Blue Raven
This farm-to-table gem is sits at 211 Main St. in Pikeville, KY, and specializes in Appalachian and Southern cuisine with a twist: Fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere.
6. Patti’s 1880’s Settlement
Though still recovering from a fire that closed the restaurant, Patti’s 1880’s Settlement is hard at work, trying to get reopened. Oh, and you better believe fans are anxiously waiting. In the meantime, you can get a taste of the goods by visiting their food truck with outdoor seating while we wait for the restaurant to get back up and running, located at 1793 J H O’Bryan Ave. in Grand Rivers, KY.
7. Old Hickory Bar-B-Q
Some may say Owensboro is basically the BBQ capital of Kentucky, and Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is one of the faves! You can bet there will be a line when you show up at 338 Washington Ave, with fellow diners salivating over the thought of their BBQ brisket, mutton, other meats and sides.
8. Greyhound Tavern
This timeless southern restaurant, sitting at 2500 Dixie Hwy. in Ft. Mitchell, boasts on having some of the best fried chicken in Kentucky, and a pretty kickin’ brunch.
9. The Sanders Cafe
This Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant is also a museum, sitting at 688 US Hwy. 25 W. in Corbin. It’s a popular tourist spot so you’ll likely find long lines, but it’s worth the wait to check this one off your bucket list.
10. Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
Sitting at 3854 Old Frankfort Pike in Midway, this delicious and heartwarming spot is situated among the rolling hills and horse farms that Kentucky is known for. At Wallace Station Deli and Bakery, the line can get quite long, but it’s a Kentucky dining experience everyone should try.
11. Lighthouse Restaurant
Located at 1500 Sulpher Well Knob Lick Rd. (not even joking, that’s the street…) in Edmonton, this local and visitor favorite is worth the hype. The award-winning country-cooking restaurant is a dining experience so memorable, you won’t mind the long wait.
I’m sure, with your help, we could add even more places so good they’re worth the wait to this list, from both Kentucky and Tennessee.
Tell us about your experience at any of the above mentioned restaurants, or hit is up with a diner/dive you think is worth the visit, and worth the wait in line.
