Worth the Detour: Classic Eats Across the Bluegrass State

For travelers, diners, lunch counters and soda shops have stood the test of time as an excellent place, not only to get a meal, but to get a feel for the local culture.

Kentucky has more than its share of these culinary gems that are just off the beaten path. Here are just a few spots around the Bluegrass State, that serve up classic American cuisine and atmosphere that you will remember long after the meal is done.  

Hodgenville has plenty to see and do. Located about an hour south of Louisville, this quiet town is home to the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park and Lincoln’s Boyhood Home at Knob Creek and legendary burger restaurant, Laha’s Red Castle.  

Laha’s has been a community staple serving up burgers and fries for locals and visitors alike since 1934. Ninety-plus years and four generations of Laha’s later, this burger counter has maintained a small and expertly crafted menu of burgers, fries, hotdogs and massive onion rings. 

Open Tuesday through Saturday, seating is limited to eight stools at the counter. Luckily there is plenty of bench space to have a picnic next to the Lincoln Square Circle Monument across the street.   

Looking for a meal, dessert and to bowl a frame or two? Don’t miss Ernie’s Tavern in Bloomfield.  Located an hour southeast of Louisville, Ernie’s is a spirited restaurant, ice cream parlor and live music venue all in one.  

With a delightfully kitschy decor of neon signs and Americana antiques, there is something to catch the eye no matter what direction the head is turned. To go along with the visuals, Ernie’s offers a diverse menu of classic dishes as well as a full bar.  

After lunch, stroll to the opposite side of the building and belly up to the Double Dip Soda Fountain. Double Dip serves freshly made milkshakes, ice cream and a heaping side of nostalgia. In addition to the sweet treats, Double Dip also features a fully functional four-lane bowling alley.  

For those vacationing on Kentucky Lake during the summer, be sure to stop by Belew’s Dairy Bar. Open seasonally from April through Labor Day, this classic drive-in has been a staple of summertime lake life since 1951.  

Pull up to the restaurant and relax in the car as Belew’s classic curbside service takes your order and brings you some of the best burgers, sandwiches and hotdogs in the commonwealth, not to mention an entire menu of ice cream and milkshakes.   

In Paducah there is the G & O Grill, a drug store and lunch counter that has been serving the Quilt City for more than 70 years. While it no longer has a pharmacy, it still serves breakfast and lunch to hungry customers five days a week. 

These are just a few options from a long list of one-of-a-kind Kentucky restaurants. Start mapping out your culinary itinerary today!