Dining Guide

SYMBOLS:

($) Dinner under $10

($$) Mostly cost under $20

($$$) Mostly under $40

($$$$) $40 and more

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

BLUEGRASS REGION

Acres of Land Winery & Restaurant 2285 Barnes Mill Road, Richmond (1-866-714-WINE) L-D Tues.-Sat. Features regional fare and an impressive wine list. The panoramic view is the perfect backdrop while the down-home specialties, such as fried chicken and hickory smoked babyback ribs served in peach barbecue sauce are outstanding. Finish your meal with the Acres of Chocolate Cake. www.acresoflandwinery.com ($$)

a la lucie 159 N. Limestone, Lexington (859-252-5277) L Mon.-Fri, D Mon.-Sat. Eclectic fare in an intimate atmosphere. Named after owner/creator Lucie Meyer, its specialties include veal, pork, chicken and steaks. Distinctive listings on the menu include the buttermilk-fried quail and the crispy half duckling. Reservations suggested. www.alalucie.com ($$$)

Alfalfa’s Restaurant> 141 E. Main St., Lexington (859-253-0014) L daily, D Wed.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Meat and vegetarian entrees, homemade desserts and breads. Voted Kentucky’s Best Vegetarian Restaurant by Kentucky Monthly readers for five straight years, earning it a spot in the Kentucky’s Best Hall of Fame. www.alfalfarestaurant.com. ($$)

Anna Belle’s 127 N. Limestone, Lexington (859-381-0900) Upscale American-style, featuring steak, pasta and seafood. Anna Belle’s “pop-rock martini” was voted Kentucky’s Best by the readers of Kentucky Monthly. www.annabellesbistro.com ($$)

Atomic Café 265 N. Limestone, Lexington (859-254-1969) D Tues.-Sat. Colorful, top-quality Caribbean restaurant with full bar and huge patio. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer. The menu is highlighted by the mixed grill—a beef tenderloin filet with parsley chimichurri, plus mahi-mahi with tropical salsa, garlic mashed potatoes and Chef’s veggies. ($$)

Azur Restaurant & Patio 3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550, Lexington (859-296-1007) L-D Mon.-Sat. Featured entrées include roast pork tenderloin, roasted duck, Alaskan halibut and the Lexington broil, a tender cut of New York strip steak. www.azurrestaurant.com ($$)

Beaumont Inn and Old Owl Tavern 638 Beaumont Inn Dr., Harrodsburg (800-352-3992) LD Wed.-Sat., brunch buffet Sunday. Stay for dinner or a week. Voted Kentucky’s Best Historic Restaurant for the third straight year. A unique combination of history and hospitality. The Old Owl Tavern is named for the family’s Owl Bourbon Whiskey, which was distilled along the Kentucky River prior to Prohibition. www.beaumontinn.com. ($$$)

Biancke 102 S. Main St., Cynthiana (859-234-3443) B-L-D Mon.-Sat. Bianke’s is not only a local favorite, but it is also a legend, in operation for more than 100 years. Known for its fried green tomatoes and the “Big Joe” burger, but regulars also rave about the homemade cream pies. www.bianckes.com($$$)

Bistro La Belle 121 E. Main St., Midway (859-846-4233) D Wed.-Sat. Quaint surroundings and a view of Railroad Street, a.k.a. Main Street, in historic Midway. Bistro La Belle offers creative Continental cuisine using locally-grown produce. The menu includes steaks, fish, seafood and sautéed or roasted chicken. ($$)

The Black Tulip 133 E. Main St., Midway (859-846-9923) D Mon.-Sat. With the feel of a northern European cafe, Bill Van Den Dool’s welcoming restaurant mixes his Dutch roots with an appreciation for French delicacies. Entree items include pepper-crusted filet mignon. Appetizers include escargot in a garlic herb butter and a cheese plate that features five cheeses and fruit. Reservations strongly suggested. www.blacktulipmidway.com ($$)

Boone Tavern Berea (859-985-3705). B-L Mon.-Sat., D Mon.-Sun., Sunday brunch. Favorites in the student-operated landmark include the world-famous spoonbread, chicken flakes in bird’s nest, roasted turkey and dressing, and black-eyed peas. Desserts include Race Day Pie and strawberry shortcake with whipped cream. www.boonetavernhotel.com ($$$)

Campbell’s 519 Main St., Paris (859-987-5164) L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. Marylyn Campbell’s menu offers an astonishing 100 items. Specialties include Southern comfort foods and down-home Kentucky favorites (Kentucky Monthly, May 2007, page 20). www.campbellsinparis.com($$)

de Sha’s 101 N. Broadway, Lexington (859-259-3771) L-D daily. Located at the corner of Victorian Square across from Rupp Arena, de Sha’s is known for its prime rib, steaks and cornbread. ($$)

Dudley’s 380 S. Mill, Lexington (859-252-1010) L-D daily. Dudley’s has location, consistency, local produce and a variety of dining atmospheres to offer. Housed in a renovated schoolhouse, Dudley’s serves steak, chicken, fish and other Continental fare. www.dudleysrestaurant.com ($$$)

Freddie’s 126 S. Fourth St., Danville (859-236-9884) L-D Mon.-Sat. Close to Constitution Square and Centre College, Freddie’s features authentic Italian food and old-fashioned cooking. No credit cards. ($)

Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano 4456 Old Nicholasville Road, Lexington (859-272-4053) L-D daily. The specialties include fried eggplant, tenderloin, pasta Vinvenzo and conchiglioni di Stephano (chicken). Reservations recommended. www.giuseppeslexington.com ($$)

Hall’s on the River 1225 Athens-Boonesboro Road, Winchester (859-527-6620). L-D daily. Tracing its history to John Holder’s tavern, established on the spot in 1783, Hall’s is a central Kentucky tradition known best for its Kentucky River Hot Brown, Hall’s chicken fettuccini, country ham, BBQ pork ribs, steak and seafood. www.hallsontheriver.com ($$)

Heirloom 125 Main St., Midway (859-846-5565). L-D Tues.-Sat. Mark Wombles and Will Preston’s Railroad Street eatery features an everchanging menu that can be found at ($$$)

Holly Hill Inn 426 N. Winter St., Midway (859-846-4732) L-D Wed.-Sat., brunch Sunday. Built in 1845, it has operated as a restaurant off and on for years. Chef Ouita Michel and her husband, Chris, run the show and offer everything for a nice dinner out. The menu changes weekly, based on what is fresh and available locally. Reservations recommended. www.hollyhillinn.com ($$$)

Jalapeno’s Two Lexington locations: 295 W. New Circle Road and 1050 S. Broadway (859-281-5171) L-D daily. Was voted Kentucky’s Best Mexican restaurant by the readers of Kentucky Monthly for three consecutive years. ($)

Jonathan’s at Gratz Park Inn 120 W. 2nd St., Lexington (859-252-4949) L Mon.-Sat., brunch Sunday, D nightly. Owner Jonathan Lundy and his staff present a restaurant that is extraordinarily comfortable with a menu that the chef describes as “upscale Southern” and “redefined regional.” Reservations suggested on the weekends. Jonathan’s is open for Sunday dinner during the Keeneland meet. ($$$)

Le Deauville 199 N. Limestone, Lexington (859-246-0999) D Mon.-Sat. As with most French bistros, the chef relies on a combination of fresh local ingredients and simple preparation techiques and presentation. Preferred selections include rack of lamb with fresh herbs and rosemary sauce, pork tenderloin with apple cider and poulet basquaise, a Basque-inspired chicken dish in spicy tomato sauce (Kentucky Monthly, September 2007, page 18). www.kygallery.com/deauville/ ($$$)

Malone’s of Lexington 3347 Tates Creek Rd. The Landsdowne Shoppes, Lexington (859-335-6500) L-D daily. If you want beef, and big portions, head to Malone’s, named for legendary horse trainer Michael Murphy Malone. The Club Room features lobster tails and Wagyu “Kobestyle” beef, Oscar’s Seafood and Piano Bar is next door, but steak—voted Kentucky’s Best once again—is the main order of business. www.malonesrestaurant.com ($$$)

The Mansion Griffin Gate Resort, 1800 Newtown Pike, Lexington (859-288-6142) D Tues.-Sat. Tenderloin and phyllo wrapped sea bass highlight the fare at this exclusive, upscale restaurant. Be sure to visit the recently renovated Blue Ash Room. www.mansionrestaurant.com ($$$)

Merrick Inn 1074 Merrick Dr., Lexington (859-269-5417) D Mon.-Sat. A Lexington tradition for more than 30 years featuring Chicago prime rib steaks, fresh seafood, regional dishes and innovative nightly specials. Fresh vegetables and desserts where everything is still homemade. Casual patio dining with three fireplaces and the famous “Big Bar.” Selected Kentucky’s Best Bluegrass Region Restaurant by the readers of Kentucky Monthly. www.murrays-merrick.com ($$$)

Murray’s 3955 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington (859-219-9922) D Mon.-Sat. Located in a beautiful Southern home and owned by the Murray family of the Merrick Inn. Murray’s offers Chicago prime beef, fresh seafood, an award-winning wine list and contemporary nightly specials by executive chef Josh Winslow. Casual patio dining and complimentary valet parking. Selected Kentucky’s Best Romantic Restaurant by the readers of Kentucky Monthly. ($$$)

Natasha’s Bistro/Boutique 112 Esplanade, Lexington (859-259-2754) L-D Mon.-Sat. A one-of-a-kind establishment where cultures collide in a colorful explosion of flavors and cosmopolitan flair (Kentucky Monthly, January 2007, page 19). Popular main courses include gypsy stew with chicken, beef and lamb; and shipwreck pasta, a seafood medley with angel hair pasta. www.natashascafe.com ($$)

Railheads at the Depot 110 Frankfort St., Versailles (859-873-3663) L-D Mon.-Sat. Under new ownership, but the house favorite—pecan encrusted chicken breast—remains. New menu selections include Black Angus ribeye, the Cowboy Sirloin and hickory smoked BBQ ribs. www.railheadsrestaurant.com ($$)

Ramsey’s Diner 496 E. High St., Lexington (859-259-2708) L-D daily. Voted Kentucky’s Best Regional Fare, Ramsey’s has been described as “Cracker Barrel with a locally-owned flair.” Features Southern food, such as pork chops, chicken and dumplings and catfish. Ramsey’s is known for its large portions. ($)

Regatta Seafood Grille 161 Lexington Green, Lexington (859-273-7875) L-D daily. Offers a wide menu in a prime location on the lake with live music nightly. Voted Kentucky’s Best Seafood Restaurant five of the past six years by the readers of Kentucky Monthly. Features 11 varieties of flown-in fresh fish. ($$$)

Serafini’s 243 W. Broadway, corner of Broadway and St. Clair, Frankfort (502-875-5599) L-D Mon.-Sat. This Capital favorite is located directly across from the Old State Capitol in the heart of the city’s antique district. Executive chef Nat Tate and his staff prepare entrees such as chicken Serafini; hand-carved, French-style chicken breasts, and the Governor’s Hot Brown. Full bar. ($$$)

Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg (1-800-734-5611). B-L-D daily. Situated in one of Kentucky’s two Shaker communities, the Trustees Office Dining Room offers dishes that were selected a “Must Eat” in the book America’s Legendary Drives. Beef, chicken, fish and homemade breads are the mainstays. ($$$)

Three Suns: An American Bistro 298 E. Brannon Road, Nicholasville (859-245-0048) L-D Mon.-Sat. Three Suns features an ever-changing menu inspired by many culinary traditions. Chef and owner Sherrie Keller-Pauley’s creations range from fresh seafood offerings to the popular pecan-fried chicken drizzled with sweet praline sauce. www.threesunsbistro.com ($$)

Tomo 848 E. High St., Lexington (859-269-9291) L Mon.-Fri. D Mon.-Sat. Voted Kentucky’s Best Sushi for the second straight year by the readers of Kentucky Monthly, Tomo also features seafood, chicken and beef. ($$)

Varden’s 509 Main St., Paris (859-987-4700) B-L-D Mon.-Sat. A unique sandwich shop and emporium located in what was once Paris’ leading pharmacy (Kentucky Monthly, May 2007, page 19). www.vardens.com ($)

Woodford Reserve Distillery McCracken Pike, Versailles (859-879-1812) L Tues.-Sun. (closed major holidays). Picnic on the porch from April to September at this National Historic Landmark, the former Labrot & Graham Distillery. www.woodfordreserve.com ($$$)

LOUISVILLE AREA

Artemisia 620 E. Market St., Louisville (502-583-4177). L Tues.-Fri., D Tues.-Sat. Atmosphere combines a contemporary bistro, an upscale bar, a jazz-filled nightspot and an art gallery. Entree items include Gulf snapper bouillabaisse, lamb chops, Caribbean spiced pork loin and almond-encrusted duck breast. www.artemisiarestaurant.com ($$)

Asiatique 1767 Bardstown Road, Louisville (502-451-2749). D Mon.-Sun. Peng Looi’s sleek, upscale Pacific Rim bistro is known for the wok-seared salmon and innovative twists on Asian favorites. www.asiatiquerestaurant.com ($$$)

August Moon 2269 Lexington Rd., Louisville. (502-456-6569) L Mon.-Sat., D daily. Contemporary Chinese bistro with scenic outdoor dining. Signature dishes feature beef, chicken, mussels and shrimp. Three-time winner of Kentucky’s Best Asian Restaurant. www.augustmoonbistro.com ($$$)

Avalon 1314 Bardstown Road, Louisville (502-454-5336) D Tues.-Sat. Chef Chip Lawrence offers eight chic yet down-home main courses in addition to several sandwich and pasta selections. Pan-fried free-range chicken breast and Angus fillet are complemented by the award-winning wine list. Guests must try the cornbread salad and fried apple cheesecake. www.avalonfresh.com ($$$)

Azalea 3612 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville (502-895-5493). B-D daily. Chef Dyrol Underwood’s seasonally changing menu is available at www.tosabe.com ($$$)

BLU Italian Mediterranean Grille 280 W. Jefferson St., Louisville (502-627-5045). B-D daily. The flagship restaurant inside the downtown Louisville Marriot, it merges the best Italian cuisine with Spanish, Moroccan, French and Greek influences. ($$$)

Bristol 1321 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, (502-456-1702) L-D, Sunday brunch. The Highlands location is the original. It has grown to include five other Louisville locations. Dishes include steak au poivre, a cut encrusted with peppercorns and pan-seared in a cognac sauce; and the filet mandarin, marinated in soy, honey, garlic, ginger, and mandarin liqueur. www.bristolbarandgrille.com ($$$)

Browning’s Restaurant & Brewery 401 E. Main St. (in Slugger Field), Louisville (502-515-0174). L-D daily. Under the direction of Jay Denham (see Park Place on Main). Browning’s features home-cooked food, hamburgers (featured in John T. Edge’s book Hamburgers & Fries), steaks and seafood accompanied by handcrafted beer. ($$)

Bourbon’s Bistro 2255 Frankfort Ave., Louisville (502-894-8838). D Mon.-Sat. Celebrating “Kentucky’s finest dew,” The menu includes seared filet of beef with Yukon gold mashed potatoes as well as a variety of poultry and fish. ($$$)

Buck’s 425 W. Ormsby Ave., Louisville (502-637-5284) L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. Tucked away in the heart of Old Louisville, Buck’s is perfect for a romantic stroll around St. James Court. Menu is varied, offering everything from breast of duck to steaks and seafood and from hot and sweet chili to crispy fish. www.bucksrestandbar.com ($$)

Café Metro 1700 Bardstown Road, Louisville (502-458-4830) L Tues.-Thurs. D Mon.-Sat. It’s the Viennese art and veal—especially the Jaegerschnitzel. New chef Scott Werkmeister prepares veal scaloppini with bing cherries and a Frangelico cream sauce. www.cafemetrolouisville.com ($$)

Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille 5700 Captain’s Quarters Road, Harrods Creek (502-228-1651) L-D daily, Sunday brunch. Upscale casual menu features fresh seafood dishes and good steaks. Located at the mouth of Harrods Creek, the restaurant has a great view of the Ohio River. Diners may also charter the CQ Princess for private parties. www.cqriverside.com ($$)

Chez Seneba 1215 Gilmore Lane, Louisville (502-968-8659) L-D daily. One of Kentucky’s only authentic African eateries features chicken and fish entrees in the style of owners Khady and Fallou Sene’s native Senegal. ($)

Claudia Sanders Dinner House 3202 Shelbyville Rd., Shelbyville (502-633-5600) L-D Tue.-Sat., Sunday buffet from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Opened by Claudia Sanders (the Colonel’s wife) in 1968, this landmark features fried chicken and other country favorites. www.claudiasanders.com ($$)

Coach Lamp Restaurant & Pub 751 Vine St., Louisville (502-583-9165) L Tues.-Fri., D Wed.-Sat. Features everything from homemade rolls to made-from-scratch soups and sides. Steaks and hamburgers feature premium western Kentucky beef. www.coachlamprestaurant.com ($$)

The Depot 201 E. Main, Glendale (270-369-6000) B-L-D daily. Award-winning chefs present a treasured experience in casual elegance inside or outdoors on the large, new patio. Depot traditions include blackened prime rib, bacon-wrapped filet mignon and rosemary grilled New Zealand lamb chops. New seafood entrees include backfin crab cakes, bouillabaisse and Cajun sea scallops. www.thedepotbistro.com ($$)

The English Grill The Camberly Brown Hotel, 4th & Broadway, Louisville (502-736-2996) D Mon.-Sat. The signature fine dining room at The Brown, serving continental cuisine with a Kentucky flair. The English Grill is a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant featuring a wine list with more than 200 selections. The food critic for Wine Spectator said: “I believe that the graceful English Grill…has emerged as the finest restaurant in the city.” Its Hot Brown was voted Kentucky’s Best by the readers of Kentucky Monthly two straight years. www.thebrownhotel.com ($$$)

Equus Restaurant 122 Sears Ave., Louisville (502-897-9721) D Mon-Sat. Chef S. Dean Corbett’s menu is featured on the Web site. Jack’s Lounge is a full bar. www.equusrestaurant.com ($$$)

Ferd Grisanti’s 10212 Taylorsville Rd., Jeffersontown (502-267-0050) D Mon.-Sat. Sunday brunch. Serving the finest of formal Northern Italian selections, Grisanti’s specialties include chicken and eggplant parmesan, chicken marsala and chicken fromaggio. Expect fresh-cut veal and homemade pasta using generations-old recipes. www.ferdgrisanti.com ($$)

The Gasthaus 4812 Brownsboro Center, Louisville (502-899-7177) D Tue.-Sat. The Greipel family offers authentic German fare at their upscale eatery, complete with polka music and waitresses in dirndls, the traditional dress. Most entrees feature pork, beef, veal and chicken. Side dishes include spatzel (noodles), bratkartoffeln (potatoes) and kartoffelknodel (dumplings). www.gasthausdining.com ($$)

The Irish Rover 2319 Frankfort Ave., Louisville (502-899-3544) L-D Mon.-Sat. As close to an authentic Irish pub as you can find in Kentucky. The menu features bangers and mash (Irish sausages and mashed potatoes), Shanagarry fish cakes, smoked salmon and Guinness beef stew. www.theirishroverky.com ($$)

Jack Fry’s 1007 Bardstown Rd., Louisville (502-452-9244) L Mon.-Fri. D Mon.-Sun. Lively chatter and jazz music always seem to spice the air at this trendy, bistro cafe with black leather booths and excellent service. Signature dishes include the shrimp and grits appetizer, Stilton and warm brie salads and the pork chop entrée. www.jackfrys.com ($$)

J. Harrod’s Restaurant & Bar 7507 Upper River Rd., Prospect (502-228-4555) D Tues.-Sun. Intimate setting with offerings including steak, filet mignon, salmon, pork chops and country ham. Reservations suggested. www.jharrods.com ($$$)

Kurtz Restaurant 418 E. Stephen Foster Ave. (across from My Old Kentucky Home), Bardstown (502-348-8964) L-D Tues.-Sat., brunch and dinner Sunday. Family-owned and operated since 1937. Home-style dinners include hot roast beef, chopped sirloin, skillet-fried chicken , fried boneless fish, baked ham and roast turkey breast. www.bardstownparkview.com ($$$)

Limestone Restaurant 10001 Forest Green Blvd., Louisville (502-426-7477) Executive chef Jim Gerhardt and chef de cuisine Michael Cunha have assembled an extensive menu of regional dishes as well as exotic dishes from around the world. www.limestonerestaurant.com ($$$$)

Le Relais at Bowman Field, 2817 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville (502-451-9020) D Tue.-Sun. Vintage aircraft buzz overhead while diners enjoy art deco elegance and innovative cuisine with a French flair, prepared by Chef Daniel Stage in the historic 1950s airport terminal. Voted most romantic restaurant in Louisville by several publications. www.lerelaisrestaurant.com ($$$)

Lilly’s 1147 Bardstown Rd., Louisville (502-451-0447) L-D Tues.-Sat. Ever-changing menu prepared by chef Kathy Cary includes seared duck, sweet Kentucky prawns, lamb and pasta. Special three-course prix-fixe meals available. Reservations recommended. www.lillyslapeche.com ($$$$)

Lynn’s Paradise Cafe 984 Barret Ave., Louisville (502-583-EGGS) B-L-D Tues.-Sun. Lynn’s is known as much for its wholesome, eclectic fare as it is for its quirky, retro ambience and kitsch. An extensive breakfast menu is served all day. Lynn’s brunch was selected Kentucky’s Best by the readers of Kentucky Monthly. A specialty is the Paradise Hot Brown. Be sure to visit the adjacent “World of Swirl” gift shop, which features Lynn’s merchandise and more. Alfresco dining available (weather permitting). Full bar. www.lynnsparadisecafe.com ($$)

Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge 446 S. Fourth St., Louisville (502-568-9009) L Mon.-Sat., D nightly. Fourth Street Live’s most popular destination, its menu is topped by Maker’s Mark smokey ribs, Maker’s shrimp cocktail and lobster quesadilla. For dessert, try the Maker’s Mark bourbon balls with vanilla dipping sauce. www.makerslounge.com ($$$)

Melillo’s 829-B E. Market St., Louisville (502-540-9975). L Tues.-Fri., D Tues.-Sat. Melillo’s Italian Deli was created in 2001 by Michele Melillo Clem. From its beginning on Brownsboro Road as a carry-out deli, Melillo’s has grown into a downtown 50-seat restaurant with a bar built by Michele’s brothers. Traditional Italian dishes highlighted by fettuccini Michele. www.melillos.com ($$)

Morton’s: The Steakhouse 626 W. Main St., Louisville (502-584-0421) D daily. This Chicago-based chain is devoted to gourmet beef served in surroundings featuring LeRoy Neiman artwork and star-studded photographs. www.mortons.com ($$$)

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train 150, Bardstown (502-348-7500) A unique four-course dining experience in 1940s dining cars. Certified Angus beef, herb-crusted salmon and roasted cornish hen. Reservations encouraged, especially for Saturday evening trips. www.kydinnertrain.com ($$$)

Napa River Grill 3938 Dupont Cir., Louisville (502-893-0141) L Mon.-Fri. D daily. An impressive selection of California wines complements a menu devoted to regional and California cuisine, including goat cheese soufflé with caramelized and balsamic reduction, lemongrass halibut and other Napa Valley-inspired dishes. www.napariverlouisville.com ($$$)

The Oakroom at the Seelbach Hilton 500 4th Ave., Louisville (502-807-3463) D Tues.-Sat. Sunday brunch. For 10 consecutive years, The Oakroom, now under the direction of Executive Chef Todd Richards, has been awarded AAA’s Five Diamond Award. Its also been selected Kentucky’s Best Fine-Dining Restaurant by the readers of Kentucky Monthly. The Oakroom is dedicated to the Kentucky dining experience, and most of the products used come from the Commonwealth. www.seelbachhilton.com ($$$)

Old Talbott Tavern 107 W. Stephen Foster, Bardstown (1-800-4-TAVERN) L-D daily. One of the states’s oldest eateries, the Talbott has offered traditional Kentucky staples in a rustic setting for more than two centuries. It’s known for the Old Kentucky Hot Brown, and the burgoo is reputed to be among Kentucky’s best. www.talbotts.com ($$)

Old Stone Inn 6905 Shelbyville Rd., Simpsonsville (502-722-8200) L Sun. D Tues.-Sat. Another restaurant with centuries of history, the Old Stone Inn features the 18-ounce cowboy ribeye, Southern fried chicken and bacon-wrapped pork medallions. ($$)

Our Best Smithfield (502-845-7682) L-D Tues.-Sat. Family cooking highlighted by fried chicken, pork chops, cornbread and homemade desserts. ($$)

Our Best Smithfield (502-845-7682). L-D Mon.-Sat. Family cooking highlighted by fried chicken, pork chops, cornbread and homemade desserts. ($$)

Palermo Viejo 1359 Bardstown Rd., Louisville (502-456-6461) D Mon.-Sat. Authentic Argentine cuisine, featuring handmade pasta and steaks cooked on a one-of-a kind charcoal grill and an all-Argentine wine list. Vegetarian-friendly. www.palermoviejo.info Park Place on Main Slugger Field at 401 E. Main St., Louisville (502-515-0172) L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. Chef Jay Denham is a loyal Kentucky Proud partner and tries to use local products in creating his food and dishes. See the menu at www.diningonmain.com

The Patron 3400 Frankfort Ave., Louisville (502-896-1661) L Tues.-Sun. D Thurs.-Sat., brunch Saturday and Sunday. Features a parade of ever-changing dishes inspired by local and seasonal ingredients. Chef/owner Amber McCool’s menu, which includes the Kentucky heritage pork loin, reflects her culinary touch and eye for beautifully crafted presentation. www.thepatron.org ($$)

Pat’s Steak House 2437 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville (502-893-2062) D Mon.-Sat. Steaks are Pat Francis’ specialty, but don’t overlook the baked salmon, the pork chops and the Irish meatloaf. Full bar. www.patssteakhouselouisville.com ($$$)

Porcini 2730 Frankfort Ave., Louisville (502-894-8686) D Mon.-Sat. Home of gourmet pizzas, pasta, fish, beef and veal. Extensive wine list. www.porcinilouisville.com ($$$)

Proof on Main 702 W. Main St., Louisville (502-217-6360) The brainchild of Drew Nieporent, the hip, upscale destination restaurant is an exciting blend of Kentucky artisan foods, boutique American spirits and cutting-edge decor. The menu is highlighted by Tuscan-inspired dishes such as bone-in bison tenderloin, pork shank, braised rabbit and pork cheek Milanese. www.proofonmain.com ($$$)

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 6100 Dutchman’s Lane, 16th floor of the Kaden Tower, Louisville (502-479-0026) D nightly. New Orleans-based upscale chain. Features steak, lamb chops and market-fresh seafood. www.ruthchris.com ($$$$)

Seviche: A Latin Restaurant 1538 Bardstown Rd., Louisville (502-473-8560) D Mon.-Sat. Latin cuisine at its best. Fans of ceviche will be happy to see a whole section of the menu devoted to this method of preparing fresh seafood. www.sevicherestaurant.com ($$)

610 Magnolia 610 Magnolia St., Louisville (502-636-0783) D Thurs.-Sat. Chef Edward Lee serves wine pairings for an evening of culinary delight, which features exotic items such as seaweed-crusted lobster, crawfish beignets and standards such as Col. Newsome’s country ham. Menu changes weekly. www.610magnolia.com ($$$$)

The Stone Hearth 1001 N. Mulberry St., Elizabethtown (270-765-4898) D Mon.-Sat., L Sun.-Fri. Alyce Skees and Martha Pride’s restaurant is celebrating 30 years. The varied menu is heavy on Kentucky fare, steaks and seafood. The salad bar is one of the state’s best. www.stonehearthetown.com ($$)

Vincenzo’s 150 S. Fifth St., Louisville (502-580-1350) L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. When it comes to serving Northern Italian cuisine, no one does it better than Vincenzo and Agostino Gabriele—at least that was the opinion of Kentucky Monthly’s readers for five straight years and this year the readers selected it as Kentucky’s Best Louisville-Area Restaurant. www.vincenzosItalianrestaurant.com ($$$)

Winston’s 3101 Bardstown Rd., Louisville (502-456-0980) L-D Fri.-Sat., brunch Sunday. Operated by the Sullivan University culinary program, Winston’s features a changing menu of the highest quality. Full bar. www.sullivan.edu/nchs/winstons.htm ($$$)

The Whistlestop Main Street, Glendale (270-369-8586) L-D Tues.-Sat. (buffet Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m.) The Whistle Stop features great Southern food and some of the state’s best desserts. www.whistlestoprestaurant.com ($$)

Z’s Oyster Bar & Steakhouse 101 Whittington Pkwy., Louisville (502-429-8000) L Mon.-Fri., D nightly. Oysters at their best, daily seafood selections and tender filet mignon. www.Zsoyster.com ($$$)

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

Beehive Tavern 101 W. Riverside Dr., Augusta (606-756-2202) L-D Wed.-Sun. One of the great things about Luciano “Sean” Moral’s place, built in 1796, is the ever-changing menu—that and the view of the Ohio River and Augusta ferry. The offerings change, but you will always find a dish with chicken, veal, steak, prime rib and a fresh catch. You can’t go without ordering the black bean soup. Full bar. ($$)

Behle Street Café50 E. RiverCenter Boulevard, Covington (859-291-4100) L-D daily. Behle Street Café is a swanky, hip, hot spot to eat. Surrounded by movie and music memorabilia from the ’30s and ’40s, you feel like you’ve just walked into a Hollywood café—warm, cozy and inviting. The menu includes steak, chicken, meatloaf and chops. The shepherd’s pie and capellini, a sautéed pasta dish, are among the favorites. Full bar. www.behlestreetcafe.net ($$)

Café Istanbul One Levee Way, Newport (859-581-1777) L-D daily. Turkish restaurant offers a fine-dining adventure and serves Greek and Mideastern cuisine. The lunch and dinner menus offer a variety of dishes, including several seafood options like salt-encrusted striped bass or tilapia served flambé tableside. Each is prepared with the house special spices on the open grill. The most popular dessert is the baklava, also made in-house. Outdoor dining available. Vegetarian friendly. ($$)

Caproni’s 320 Rosemary Clooney St., Maysville (606-564-4321) L-D Mon.-Sat., Sunday lunch buffet. For an upscale but casual Italian meal with a glorious view of the Ohio River, Caproni’s is your place. Meals are complemented by the homemade garlic bread and pies, cakes and cheesecakes. The signature dish is filet Caproni. New menu items include filet medallions with wild mushrooms and green peppercorns in a cognac reduction, fresh-cut port chops with braised apples, and traditional veal liver. Full bar. ($$)

Chandler’s 212 Market St., Maysville (606-564-6385) L-D Tues.-Sat. Best known for its barbecue, Chandler’s offers a full menu in ultra-comfortable surroundings.

Chez Nora 520 Main St., MainStrasse Village, Covington (859-491-8027) L-D daily, Sunday brunch. Chez Nora is best known for its rooftop terrace bar and jazz club. The menu is highlighted by Chez Nora crab cakes and pecan-crusted Canadian walleye. Patti and Jimmy Gilliece’s historic building has also become a wedding reception favorite. www.cheznora.com ($$$)

Colonial Cottage Inn 3140 Dixie Highway, Erlanger (859-341-4498) B-L-D daily. Owned and operated by the family of Noelle and Matt Grimes, it’s been a mainstay since 1933. The dinner menu is headlined by steak, seafood and country staples such as liver and onions, country ham or pork chops. Best known for breakfast, the Colonial Favorite includes two eggs, country ham or two pork chops, home fries and toast or biscuits. ($$)

The Cock & Bull English Pub 601 Main St., Covington (859-581-4ALE) L-D daily. Located in the historic MainStrasse Village, the Cock & Bull has served up classic pub food, such as fish and chips, since 1998. Home of the region’s highest-rated draft beer collection, which includes imports and hard-to-find brands. While there, ask about the origins of the phrase “a cock and bull story.” www.cocknbullenglishpub.com ($$)

Dee Felice Café 529 Main St., Covington (859-261-2365) D daily, brunch Sunday. Located in the heart of MainStrasse Village is a restaurant known for Cajun and Creole specialties. For starters, Ricardo’s ravioli is an appetizer of deep-fried ravioli stuffed with jalepano-ricotta cheese, covered in creamed sauce with crawfish and sliced jalapeno peppers. The most popular entrée is Dee’s filet, which is a blackened filet served on shrimp cream sauce, surrounded by shrimp. www.deefelice.com ($$$)

Green Derby Restaurant 846 York St., Newport (859-431-8740) L-D daily. A local favorite, the Green Derby has been making people feel at home for nearly 60 years. Its fish sandwich has been repeatedly voted best in the tri-state, but you will be equally satisfied with a burger and fries or pork chops. It’s also known for its Derby salad, shredded iceberg lettuce served like hot slaw. ($)

Greyhound Tavern2500 Dixie Hwy., Fort Mitchell (859-331-3767) L-D daily. Northern Kentucky’s oldest continuously operating restaurant has been serving up signature dishes like Kentucky hot slaw, Butch’s bean soup and huge onion rings for years. Crowd pleasers are the fried chicken and the pasta Gabriel, an angel hair pasta dish sautéed in garlic oil sauce, topped with shrimp or blackened chicken. Desserts are homemade and change with the seasons. Full bar. Selected Kentucky’s Best Northern Kentucky Restaurant by the readers of Kentucky Monthly. www.greyhoundtavern.com ($$)

Hofbraühaus Newport Third & Saratoga at The Levee, Newport (859-491-7200) L-D daily. Join 350 people in the Festhall with live music and true Bavarian dishes, such as bierwurst, bratwurst and grillwurst, or venture to the Bier Garden with its view of the Cincinnati skyline. www.hofbrauhausnewport.com ($$)

Jeff Ruby’s Tropicana One Levee Way, Newport (859-491-8900) D Mon.-Sat. A blast from the past is just around the corner, playing on Newport’s colorful outlaw heritage and the famous Tropicana night club. The menu features seared breast of duck, jumbo Caribbean lobster tail and Bardo’s beer can chicken. Reservations are suggested. www.jeffruby.com ($$$)

Mike Fink’s 100 Greenup St., Covington (859-261-4212) L-D Mon.-Sat., brunch-D Sunday. Mike Fink’s is an authentic, old-time riverboat, complete with paddlewheel. The nautical touches mixed with the elegant dining create just the right ambiance. The floor-to-ceiling windows give a nice view of the Cincinnati skyline. Mike Fink’s is known for seafood but offers an assortment of steaks and chops. Full bar. www.mikefink.com ($$$)

Montgomery Inn: The Rib King 400 Buttermilk Parkway, Fort Mitchell (859-344-5333) L Mon.-Fri. D daily. Specialty is barbecued choice pork loin back ribs. Famous for its Saratoga chips and Ted’s Pail Ale—the Inn’s signature brew. www.montgomeryinn.com ($$$)

Parkview Inn Restaurant 103 W. Second St., Augusta (606-756-2667) LD Daily. A favorite haunt of Heather French Henry. A sample buffet includes roast beef, barbecued pork roast, roasted chicken and fried catfish. The signature dish is stewed potatoes. Desserts include blackberry cobbler, fried apple pie and peanut butter cheesecake. Saturday nights feature live entertainment ($$)

Pompilios 6th & Washington Ave., Newport (859-581-3065) L-D daily. Pompilios, established in 1933, is famous for two things: great Italian food and the toothpick scene from the movie Rain Man. Italian food makes up 98 percent of its menu, and once you taste the hand-made meat-and-cheese ravioli, or the linguini cacciatore, you will know why. Full bar. www.pompilios.com ($)

South Beach Grill 14 Pete Rose Pier, Covington (859-581-1414) D daily. Fully remodeled, reinvented and under the direction of Chef Jimmy Gibson, the South Beach Grill is another Jeff Ruby creation with a spectacular view of Cincinnati. www.jeffruby.com ($)

Two Rivers Restaurant General Butler State Resort, Carrollton (1-866-462-8853) B-L-D daily. Devoted to the use of Kentucky products, Two Rivers combines comfortable, cozy surroundings and innovative river-inspired cuisine. ($$)

Vito’s Cafe 654 Highland Ave., Suite 29, Fort Thomas (859-442-9444) D Wed.-Sun. Home of the singing servers, Vito’s (owned by Vito and Mary Ciepiel) features pasta, Mamma Luisa’s lasagna, and meat entrees. www.vitoscafe.com ($$)

Walt’s Hitching Post 3300 Madison Pike, Fort Wright (859-331-0494) Walt’s is known regionally for its open-pit barbecue ribs and has been for 49 years. Dining at Walt’s is a tradition for many. Don’t be surprised if there is more than one tour bus pulled up out front. ($$)

Wertheim’s 516 W. Sixth St., Covington. L-D Daily. (859-261-1233) In the heart of Covington’s MainStrasse Village, Wertheim’s serves authentic German and continental selections. ($$)

York Street Café 738 York St., Newport (859-261-9675) L Tues.-Sat., D Tues.-Sun. An eclectic eatery that is part restaurant, part art gallery and lounge. Since 1997, it has quickly grown into a northern Kentucky favorite for everything from a collection of Pez dispensers to the large conversation platters. www.yorkstonline.com ($$)

WESTERN KENTUCKY

American Bounty 118 Saint Ann St., Owensboro (270-684-0820) L-D Tues.-Sat. David and Jenny Munster often change the menu. The wine list features more than 100 varieties, and all desserts are homemade. Upscale, cosmopolitan near the RiverPark Center. www.theamericanbounty.com ($$)

Bartholomew’s Fine Foods & Spirits 51 S. Main St., Madisonville (270-821-1061) L Mon-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. Located in the revitalized downtown, Bartholomew’s decor showcases antiques and collectibles. Casual dining. The menu features chicken breast and prime rib. A favorite is the shrimp Lousianne. ($$$)

Brass Lantern 16593 U.S. 68E, Aurora (270-474-2773) D Wed.-Sun., spring & fall; D Tues.-Sun., summer (May-Oct.); closed during January. Owners Kelly and Bertha Wilson offer a broad menu, including queen & king filet mignon, lobster tail and the area’s most bragged-about salad bar. Try the turtle or grasshopper pie. www.brasslanternrestaurant.com ($$)

B. Russell’s 900 North 32nd St., Paducah (270-444-9700) L Tues.-Sat., D Tues.-Sat. Bacon-wrapped scallops, blue crab cakes, and shrimp highlight the menu, which includes pan-seared fish of the day, macadamia nut-encrusted chicken and hickory-grilled pork tenderloin. ($$)

Briar Patch 2760 Veach Road, Owensboro (270-685-3329) L Sun.-Fri., D nightly. The speciality is the half-pound prime rib. Consuming a 20-oz. steak in one sitting places you on the “Honor Brigade Wall of Fame.” The menu also offers lighter fare, ranging from seafood to country dishes. www.brpatch.com ($$)

Capital Steak & Seafood House, located inside the Executive Inn-Rivermont, Owensboro (270-926-8000) D Tues.-Sat. Certified Angus beef tops the menu. www.executiveinnrivermont.com ($$)

C.C. Cohen Restaurant & Bar 103 Market House Square, Paducah (270-442-6391) L-D daily. Prime rib and seafood lead a menu that includes steak, chicken and pasta. Cajun food is a specialty of this restaurant and bar, which traces its heritage to the Cohen family of the mid-1880s and includes some ghostly tales, especially the hauntings of Stella Cohen Peine. Live music Friday and Saturday. Full bar. www.cccohen.com ($$)

Charlie’s Steak HouseHighway 41, Oak Grove (270-439-4592) D Mon.-Sat. For more than 50 years, Charlie’s has been serving steak and lots of it. The 30-oz. porterhouse or 24-oz. strip can satisfy most any meat lover, but don’t forget the “man-sized” sirloin. Steaks are served with mushrooms and spiced with salt, pepper and garlic. ($$)

Cynthia’s Ristorante 125 Market House Sq., Paducah (270-443-3319) D Tue.-Sat. Featuring gourmet California-Italian cuisine, Cynthia’s is the hub for elegant dining. The rotating menu includes grilled mozzarella slices, unique salads and seafood dishes made from seafood flown in the same day. www.cynthiasristorante.com ($$$)

Di Fabio’s Casapela 17 W. Center, Madisonville (270-825-1900). D Wed-Sat. The entire family pitches in at Di Fabio’s, where husband Peter follows the old family recipes for sauces and Italian house dressing. Fresh seafood is served daily; the grilled garlic mayonnaise salmon remains popular. Wife Laura offers tempting homemade desserts, including her famous version of tiramisu. Reservations recommended. www.difabios.com ($$)

Famous Bistro 102 W. 2nd St., Owensboro (270-686-8202) L-D Mon-Sat. From Greek-style pork chops to spanakopita—a Greek-style spinach pie—the Famous Bistro adds a Mediterranean touch to Owensboro cuisine. Owner George Skiadas travels to Greece each year and brings back family recipes, including the restaurant’s signature Greek village bread, served with sweet basil, garlic and olive oil. Beer and wine. Reservations suggested. ($$)

J. Edward’s 1901 N. 12th St., Murray (270-753-7720) D Mon-Sat. Seafood, steaks and spirits. Features one of the state’s most extensive menus, highlighted by J. Edward’s seafood Portofino. The steaks, such as steak Vesuvio and steak Sinatra, are broiled and served on platters sizzling with butter. ($$$)

Max’s Brick Oven Café 112 Market House Sq., Paducah (270-575-3473) D Mon.-Sat. While the brick oven pizzas with fresh roasted vegetables and innovative pasta dishes—such as Margherita, Aurora or Florentine—satisfy most any appetite, it’s the atmosphere that’s most popular. ($$)

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn 2840 W. Parrish Ave., Owensboro (270-684-8143) L Mon.-Sat., D Mon.-Sat., Sunday brunch. The most well-known of western Kentucky’s barbecue restaurants, where hand-pulled pork has defined western Kentucky-style barbecue. The readers of Kentucky Monthly have selected Moonlite Kentucky’s Best BBQ for four consecutive years. www.moonlite.com ($$)

Niko’s Italian Cuisine 2200 E. Parrish Ave. (inside the Springs Health Center) Owensboro (270-852-1618) L Mon-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. Italian eatery specializes in chicken, veal and pork chops. www.nikositalian.com ($)

Patti’s 1880s Settlement Main Street, Grand Rivers (888-736-2515) L-D Mon.-Sun. Patti’s is famous for its 2-inch-thick pork chop and 8-inch “mile high” meringue pies. The homemade bread is straight from the oven and overflowing the flower pot in which it’s baked. Selected Kentucky’s Best Western Kentucky Restaurant by Kentucky Monthly readers. www.pattis-settlement.com ($$$)

The Purple Onion 113 N. First St., Central City (270-757-1193) L Daily, D Mon.-Sat. In a spectacularly renovated downtown building, The Purple Onion is worth the short drive from the Western Kentucky Parkway. Specialities include wrapped pork chops and smothered chicken. Fresh salmon, shrimp and steaks round out the menu. ($$)

Ristorante di Fratelli 211 Broadway, Paducah (270-442-7054) D Tues.-Sat. Gourmet Italian dining in an elegant atmosphere. Seafood dishes include roasted red pepper and wasabi, tender fried scallops encrusted in Japanese panko bread crumbs and Sicilian halibut. The menu changes with the seasons but always includes traditional Italian dishes (Kentucky Monthly, August 2007, page 19). ($$$)

Rookie’s 117 Second St., Henderson (270-826-1106) D Mon.-Sat. Within a block of the Ohio River, owner Rodney Thomas bills Rookie’s as a sports bar, but it offers a full-service and evolving menu that the locals say is on par with any restaurant in the region.www.rookiesrestaurant.com ($$)

Tribeca Mexican Cuisine 127 Market House Sq., Paducah (270-444-3960) L-D Tues.-Sat. Mexican seafood at its finest, including camerones-rancheros (shrimp and chicken) and camerones-ala diabla (jumbo shrimp) and chicken, steak, shrimp and veggie fajitas. www.tribecarestaurant.net ($$)

Whaler’s Catch 123 N. 2nd St., Paducah (270-444-7701) L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. Follow the Cajun music and you’ll find a unique menu with a Louisiana flair, including shrimp Creole, scallops, Swiss crab cake, red snapper and farm-raised catfish. Request a second-story table in the Crow’s Nest, with a view of the Ohio River and Paducah’s floodwall murals. www.whalerscatch.net ($$)

Wolf’s Tavern 31 N. Green St., Henderson (270-826-5221) L-D-Mon.-Sat. Kentucky’s second-oldest tavern has been using the tagline “Where Friends Meet” since 1878. Most every guest at Wolf’s has tasted the famous bean soup, prime rib or catfish dinners. ($$) Z’s: A Restaurant & Bar 1100 Walnut St., Suite 10, Cigar Factory Mall, Owensboro, (270-852-2322) L-D Mon.-Sat., Sunday brunch. Upscale dining centered around prime beef purchased by the best butcher in Chicago. Z’s prime prime rib is hand-rubbed with a combination of fresh herbs and spices. ($$$)

SOUTHERN KENTUCKY

440 Main Restaurant and Bar 440 E. Main Ave., Bowling Green (270-793-0450) L-D Mon-Sat. Micki and Tom Holmes create a nightly special in the tradition of New Orleans, including the bayou filet and shellfish Creole. Review the 200-label wine list. Outdoor patio dining is available overlooking Fountain Square Park. www.440main.com. ($$$) Bolton’s Landing 200 Calvary Drive, Glasgow (270-651-8008) L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. It is one of the few places where everything is homemade and prepared by people who consider the restaurant a second home. The menu ranges from classic sandwiches to steak dinners. Be sure to try the buttermilk pie and the angel biscuits, which they get requests to ship nationwide. Keep your ears alert for some tall tales while you’re there. ($$)

Brickyard Café 1026 Chestnut St., Bowling Green (270-901-0600) L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. Operated jointly by Croatian and Bosnian refugees Robert Stupar and Zeljko “Jake” Simic, the Brickyard Cafe has brought a taste of the Adriatic Sea with an Italian flair, such as the four-cheese lasagna. Visitors will be charmed by the adaptations made to the building. The wall mural depicts the north coast of former Yugoslavia, a region influenced by Italian cuisine. Full bar. ($$$)

Federal Grove Bed & Breakfast 475 E. Main St., Auburn (270-542-6106) B-L-D by reservation Mon.-Sat. Built in 1871. Like going to your friend’s house for dinner with a taste of the old Kentucky South. Country ham, biscuits, red-eye gravy and all the trimmings make for a big country breakfast. Featuring birthday, anniversary specials. Reservations should be made two weeks in advance by phone or at federalgrove@logantele.com ($$)

Mariah’s 1818 801 State St., Bowling Green (270-842-6878) L-D daily. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mariah’s is known for its roasted vegetables, barbecue pizzas and chicken fingers with salad (with those famous roasted black-eyed peas). Salmon and fresh trout are offered as well as prime rib and an array of soups, salads, stir-fry pasta and home cooking favorites including pot roast. For dessert, it’s bread pudding, New Orleans-style. Full bar. Selected Kentucky’s Best Southern Kentucky Restaurant by the readers of Kentucky Monthly. www.mariahs.com ($$$)

EASTERN KENTUCKY

Angler’s Cove Restaurant, Greenbo Lake State Resort Route 1, Greenup (606-473-7324) B-L-D Daily. Which is better, the food or the view? It’s a tossup. The Jesse Stuart Lodge is named for the famed writer who loved the area in which the lodge is located. The buffet draws a steady flow of visitors and locals. The corn chowder—a rich hearty soup—is legendary. ($$)

Athenaeum Restaurant Cumberland Inn, Williamsburg (606-539-4105) B-L-D daily. Splendid view of the surrounding mountains at sunset in an elegant setting accompanied by piano. Menu changes quarterly. Varied menu is featured on the Web site. Operated by the students of the University of the Cumberlands. www.cumberlandinn.com ($$)

Billy Ray’s Playhouse Restaurant 101 N. Front St., Prestonsburg (606-886-1744) B-L daily. D Mon.-Sat. Don’t go without trying the “pool room” burger, topped with mustard and onion. Decor is comfortable with memorabilia from local and college sports teams. ($)

Carriage House Restaurant 624 James Trimble Blvd., Paintsville (606-789-4242) B-L-D daily. Located inside the Ramada Inn, it has gained a well-deserved reputation for its flame-broiled steak, char-broiled chicken breast and jumbo fried shrimp. ($$)

Chirico’s Ristorante 136 Pike St., located in the Pinson Hotel, Pikeville, (606-432-7070) L-D daily. Some claim it is eastern Kentucky’s best Italian restaurant, offering a wide variety of authentic dishes, including manicotti, cacciatore and fettuccine, and homemade breads with butter, olive oil and garlic. The menu also features calzones and sandwiches. ($$)

C.J. Maggie’s American Grill 1442 Winchester Ave., Ashland (606-324-7895) L Mon.-Sun., D Mon.-Sat. Serves excellent handmade pizzas made fresh and cooked in a brick oven. Also offers a variety of specialty pasta dishes—the most popular being the New Orleans shrimp pasta. The lunch menu features classic sandwiches and burgers with a signature touch. www.cj-maggies.com ($$)

Harland Sanders Cafe Intersection of U.S. 25 West and U.S. 25 East, Corbin (606-528-2163) L-D daily. Restored to the way it was when Col. Harland Sanders started it in the 1940s, the original location serves his secret recipe known as Kentucky Fried Chicken. The dining room is adorned with tributes to the Colonel from around the world. ($)

Rosie’s Restaurant 2201 U.S. 60W, Rush (606-928-3547) Never closes. Located just off Interstate 64 near the West Virginia line, Rosie’s is housed in a converted gas station. Home cooking is served up with a healthy dose of attitude. ($)

Vintage House 215 Roy Kidd Ave., Corbin. D Mon.-Sat. Wide selection of fine dining in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The talented chefs promise a dining adventure that is fun and relaxing. www.thevintagehouserestaurant.com ($$)