Can’t Resist Fried Chicken? Here’s a Finger-Lickin’ Tour of Kentucky! Jen Bouchard July 5, 2017 Food & Drink Fried chicken lovers, unite… and head straight to Kentucky! That’s right, The Bluegrass State could easily be dubbed “The Fried Chicken State” thanks to all of the phenomenal establishments serving up this and other delectable fried delicacies, such as its delicious chicken fried steak. Here’s a suggested tour of Kentucky for those who just can’t get enough crispy, meaty goodness! Old Talbott Tavern — Bardstown, Kentucky The Old Talbott Tavern of 1779 by Don Sniegowski licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED Serving up satisfying fare to weary travelers since 1779, the Old Talbott is frequently referred to as the oldest stagecoach stop in America. This historic spot is known for its fried chicken (of course!), country ham, and Chicken Phillipe. Make sure you save room for dessert, though. The house specialties include chess pie and bread pudding — both pair well with bourbon, of which there is plenty, too. You can even stay the night in Talbott’s cozy bed and breakfast, but beware of ghosts: Both Jesse James and The Lady in White are said to haunt the hallways! Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill — Harrodsburg, Kentucky Not only is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill America’s largest restored Shaker village, it’s also known as one of the best places to get fried chicken in Kentucky. Work up an appetite by visiting the interiors of over a dozen of the village’s 34 original restored buildings on 3,000 acres, or by hiking on the 40 miles of trails in the nature preserve. Then head over to the inn to enjoy Mrs. Kremer’s Fried Chicken — half a salt-brined spring chicken tossed in seasoned flour and fried — served with hot bread and vegetable sides. Harland Sanders Café and Museum — Corbin, Kentucky Of course, no fried chicken tour of Kentucky would be complete without a stop at the Harland Sanders Café and Museum. The home of the world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken, this Corbin institution is the place to learn about Colonel Harland Sanders and the birth of his KFC empire. After you tour the museum and check out all of the KFC memorabilia, tuck in and enjoy some of Sanders’ famous fried chicken, which is still made using the secret recipe he developed in 1940. Blue Heron Steakhouse — Lexington, Kentucky A foodie-friendly spot, the Blue Heron Steak House is a restaurant and cocktail bar that serves updated versions of Southern classics — including fried chicken, of course. Made from locally raised, free-range chickens and tantalizing, perfectly seasoned batter, their fried chicken will leave you speechless. Add a Caesar salad with fried white anchovies and a bourbon-based craft cocktail or glass of wine and you’ve got yourself a meal to remember. Joe’s Drive-In Chicken — Isom, Kentucky Our advice when looking for places to eat in a new place is to follow the locals. In Isom, the locals will lead you straight to Joe’s Drive-In Chicken. This roadside spot is the place to get fried chicken, burgers, fries, and monster ice cream scoops. Take your grub down to the riverside picnic area and enjoy the views. Beaumont Inn — Harrodsburg, Kentucky The Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg has been wowing guests with traditional Southern hospitality and great food for over 100 years. Part bed and breakfast and part world-class eatery, the Beaumont Inn is home to the Old Owl Tavern, the recipient of the 2015 James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classic Award. Along with chicken-fried steak, guests of the Old Owl Tavern should be sure to try the restaurant’s signature dish of yellow-legged fried chicken and two-year old Kentucky cured country ham. Lovers of fine spirits will also find much to enjoy in the Beaumont’s extensive bourbon selection, which has made the establishment one of the best bars in the country. Ramsey’s Diner — Lexington, Kentucky The chicken fried steak is one of Ramsey’s specialties. Ramsey’s Diner has been a staple of the Lexington restaurant scene for the past 30 years. Priding itself on using high quality local ingredients and providing impeccable service, Ramsey’s offers some of the tastiest dishes in the state. In addition to classic fried chicken, Ramsey’s also specializes in chicken fried steak, served alongside three of the diner’s signature side dishes, which include the guest’s choice of mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. Seasonal offerings also give visitors a chance to experience the full range of flavors present in the Blue Grass State. In years past, the restaurant partnered with local farmers and bakeries to provide visitors with delightful fall casseroles and homespun holiday cakes and pies. Tolly-Ho — Lexington, Kentucky Tolly-Ho has made a name for itself among Lexington foodies for offering Southern comfort food at reasonable prices. Particularly beloved by late-night diners, Tolly-Ho has been a family owned and operated business for the past 40 years. While lovers of fried chicken and chicken-fried steak will find much to enjoy in the restaurant’s offerings, visitors will also not want to miss out on the great variety of other dishes available at Tolly-Ho. One of the establishment’s specialties is Cheddar Tots, tater tots with a cheddar cheese center served with chili on top. Visitors will also enjoy the restaurant’s old-school ambiance, which includes jukeboxes, pinball machines, and traditional arcade video games. Oasis Southwest Grill — Madisonville, Kentucky Madisonville’s Oasis Southwest Grill introduces the spicy flavors of the tropics to Kentucky’s traditional Southern cuisine. While lovers of Southern dishes will delight in the restaurant’s take on fried chicken and chicken-fried steak — paired with coleslaw and topped with creamy sauce — they will also come to adore the sheer variety of comfort dishes available at the Oasis Southwest Grill. Diners have their choice of chicken tenders with honey mustard, center cut pork chops covered in a smoky bourbon glaze, or slow-smoked barbecue ribs. Its most devoted patrons advise starting any meal with the “Big O,” which is Oasis Southwest Grill’s signature appetizer of a giant fried onion served with chipotle ranch sauce. You May Also Like: 8 Unexpected Travel Destinations for Foodies Merrick Inn — Lexington, Kentucky The Merrick Inn is one of the finest restaurants in Kentucky. With buildings and grounds dating back to before the Civil War, the Merrick has been treating Lexington visitors to upscale, fine dining for over 40 years. The Merrick prides itself on its fried chicken, quality steaks, and chicken-fried steak. Visitors partaking in the Merrick’s fine entrees get their choice of two side dishes, including corn pudding, a Kentucky favorite that pairs well with any of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Featuring locally sourced meat and vegetables, the Merrick also offers plenty of dishes for those hoping to indulge in Southern comfort food, including an artisanal twist on the Kentucky Hot Brown. FAQs: Q: Are reservations required at most of these fried chicken spots? A: While some establishments might require reservations, especially during peak times, many of the casual spots might not. It’s always best to check in advance. Q: What kind of dietary accommodations can I expect at these places? A: Many establishments offer a range of dishes, but if you have specific dietary concerns, it’s advisable to contact the restaurant directly or check their online menus. Q: Are there vegetarian or vegan fried chicken alternatives in Kentucky? A: Kentucky has a rich culinary scene, and there are many establishments that offer vegetarian or vegan fried chicken alternatives. Q: Is there a recommended time of year to visit these fried chicken spots in Kentucky? A: While fried chicken can be enjoyed year-round, some might argue that summer and early fall, when local produce is in peak season, enhances the overall dining experience. Q: Do these fried chicken places also serve alcohol? A: Many establishments in Kentucky, especially those offering Southern dining, often have a selection of beverages, including local bourbons. Always check with the restaurant if you have specific preferences. Q: What’s the average price range for a meal at these fried chicken places? A: The price range can vary widely from roadside spots to upscale restaurants. It’s best to check the restaurant’s website or contact them directly for specific pricing. Q: Is there parking available at most of these locations? A: While many establishments provide on-site parking, some in busier urban areas might rely on street parking or nearby public lots. Checking in advance can save time and hassle. Are you a fried chicken lover too? What other spots in Kentucky would you suggest? Let us know in the comments section below!
