Kentucky's Historic Dining Guide

Step into a world where every bite tells a story. The Kentucky Historic Dining Guide features locally-owned restaurants housed in buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, history isn’t just something you read about—it’s something you can taste. 

This guide is a tribute to Kentucky’s enduring heritage. It leads you to restaurants across the Commonwealth where the architecture, atmosphere, and food all carry the legacy of generations. These are the places where time-honored recipes meet timeless settings—where each meal connects you to the stories of the past.

From historic downtown cafés and old roadside diners to grand hotel dining rooms and lovingly preserved taverns, each stop in this guide invites you to experience Kentucky’s rich cultural tapestry through its culinary traditions.  Whether you're a traveler seeking authentic local flavor or a Kentuckian rediscovering your roots, this guide is your invitation to explore the Commonwealth’s past—served fresh daily.

The Kentucky Historic Dining Guide is a program of the Kentucky Heritage Council.

Want to get involved?

If your restaurant is steeped in history and serves up more than just great food, we’d love to hear from you. Join a distinguished collection of dining destinations that offer visitors and locals alike a truly unique taste of Kentucky. Submit your restaurant for consideration today.