From the best Bar-B-Que and Burger joints to home cooking and fresh farm-to-table cuisine, these lake area eateries will satisfy your craving for the best Kentucky Lake restaurants.
Traditional Bar B Que at Knoths BBQ
728 US HWY 62
Grand Rivers, Kentucky
270-362-8580
The best area BBQ hands down! Knoth’s is a family owned local business that specializes in slow cooking whole pork shoulders- the same way they were cooked in Western Kentucky 100 years ago. You will love their signature sauces too. Be sure and get a bottle to go. Couple the bbq with slaw like you’ve never tasted, and you’ve got yourself a very satisfying dining experience. Open Monday – Saturday 11-7 (spring and fall) 11-8 (summer). Knoths is Now Open for the 2019 season.
The Bubba of all Burgers at Tyson’s Hometown Market
946 Dover Rd, Grand Rivers, Kentucky
270-928-3305
This little country market serves up the area’s best burger from the grill. The menu also features breakfast and lunch specials. I am told the lunch specials are top-rated and if you want to try them to get there early as they often sell out. For me, I just can’t pass up the Bubba Burger, and it’s fresh juicy spiced just right goodness. It is the Bubba of all burgers.
Family Traditions at Patti’s 1880’s Settlement
1793 J.H. O’Bryan Ave.
Grand Rivers, Kentucky
270-362-8844
In February 2018, Patti’s experienced a devastating fire. They are in the process of rebuilding, and fans of Patti’s are watching the rebuild with anticipation. The target open date is the summer of 2019. Stay up to date on the rebuilt on facebook.
The restaurant started in 1977, with Miss Patti’s love of cooking and family. Life in the Tullar household always centered around the kitchen, family, friends, and mealtime. These core family traditions are what the Patti’s name was built upon and endear this special place into the hearts of their guests.
Patti’s is famous for a 2″ Pork Chop, Mile High Meringue Pies, Flower Pot Bread, and Strawberry Butter. Combine the food, with the décor and service, and you have a one of a kind dining experience.
This restaurant is also known for the annual Christmas Light display (first Friday in November through the first week of January). A stroll through the magical displays and dinner at Patti’s is an area holiday tradition.
Patti’s name today is synonymous with all of the positive things life has to offer – good food, shared times, and connecting with friends and family. Patti and Bill’s son Chip continue the Tullar traditions in a way that would make any mom proud.
Farm to Table at the Freighthouse Restaurant
330 S 3rd St
Paducah, Kentucky
270-908-0006
Freighthouse Owner and Chef Sara Bradley is the runner-up of Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ season 16. I was a big fan of team Sara even before her appearance on the show. Sara’s Freighthouse Restaurant menu combines traditional southern flavors with locally sourced ingredients.
The full bar offers a wide selection of Kentucky Bourbons. Combine the food, service and the beauty of the renovated old train depot building and you have a must dine experience when visiting Western KY.
Authentic Country Ham
Authentically aged country ham is a country delicacy. Visit our local ham makers online or when you are in the area.
Newson’s Aged Kentucky County Hams
208 East Main Street, Princeton, Ky. 42445
270-365-2482
Newsom’s crafts a traditional smokehouse aged naturally cured country ham. Their authentic aged Kentucky country ham is a gourmet and country delicacy. Newsom’s also offers smoked sausage, smoked bacon, preserves, sorghum molasses, pure, unprocessed honey, and more.
Newsom’s was established January 1, 1917, by H.C. Newsom. It is currently owned and operated by H.C.’s granddaughter; Nancy Newsom Mahaffey, “the Ham Lady.”
Broadbent B & B Foods:
257 Mary Blue Road
Kuttawa, KY 42055
800-841-2202
Broadbent B & B Foods started producing traditional Kentucky country hams in 1909. Today they still dry cure, age and smoke their products the same way. In addition to country hams, Broadbents also features smoked bacon and smoked sausage.
Do you have a favorite Kentucky Lake area restaurant? Add a comment and let us know your thoughts on the best Kentucky Lake restaurant.
Explore our full list of Livingston County and Grand Rivers restaurants here.
