There’s nothing more American than burgers and fries, and Kentucky has some of the best places to satisfy your hunger! Whether you like the traditional beef variety or want to try something a little more exotic, the 8 best burger joints listed below will give you excellent choices.
Game in Louisville, Kentucky, is definitely not your typical burger joint, but worth a visit if you have an adventurous palate. With ingredients provided from local farms, you can choose from exotic meats like kangaroo, bison, and alpaca, or more delicate flavors like goat, lamb, wild boar, duck, elk, or salmon. There are also several vegetarian options like Grilled corn, poblano, and garbanzo, grilled mushrooms and red lentils, or walnut and quinoa. Whatever you choose, you can be sure to get a delicious meal in modern eclectic surroundings.
Open every day, Lexington Diner in Lexington, Kentucky, is most famous for the award-winning Kentucky Bourbon Burger. Using the freshest ingredients in everything they prepare, Lexington Diner celebrates the good taste of food when it’s fixed and served right. Featured on “Secrets of the Bluegrass Chef” and “Local Traveler,” hungry diners can get breakfast all day, or try a burger topped with basil pesto, chipotle aioli, or fried jalapenos.
Locally owned and operated, Gary’s Drive-In located in Owensboro, Kentucky, has been known for the best burgers, fries, and shakes for years. Besides traditional version of these favorites, you can also try a delicious salmon burger with sweet potato fries. Combining nostalgia and great food is what Gary’s Drive-In is all about.
You might not think a place called Double Dogs would have great burgers, but don’t let the name confuse you. Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Double Dogs credits two playful canines for the inspiration behind the restaurant. With humorous appetizers like Pickled Paw Prints (fried pickles) and Bo’s Dog Bowl Nachos, you can move right into some great burgers like The Bo Burger with its special sauce or the Big John, a hearty combination of hot dog and hamburger.
If you want the best burger around, go to Blinkers Tavern in Covington, Kentucky, and ask for the Black and Bleu Burger that includes a great Cajun spice and bleu cheese. If that’s not to your liking, you could try the bacon cheddar burger, French onion burger, or vegetarian style black bean burger. Make sure to wash your meal down with a red or white wine or one of the Blinker martinis like the Rum for Roses or Behave Yourself.
People who love Dovie’s Burger Restaurant in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, say you get more than good food here. You get an experience! If you want a great burger experience, drive down to Dovie’s to sample a basic burger that’s big on taste. There isn’t a lot on the menu, but when you have the best burger in town, you don’t need more.
Bard’s Burgers & Chili is about as casual as you can get. Known as a classic dive with great chili and burgers, Bard’s has been around for a long time. With a clean, crispy taste to the burgers and fries, you’ll feel at home from the time you enter the door. Open every day except Monday, you’ll want to try their fried cheese curds for a special treat with your burger.
It’s not a secret that many bars offer great food along with their adult beverages. Metzger’s Tavern in Henderson, Kentucky, is just that way. With great wings and other appetizers, they also serve up a great burger with your choice of regular or Cajun fries or tater tots. The prices can’t be beat either, with Fridays being $1 days for burgers.