Whether you need a quick bite during your busy work day or you’re looking to sit down for a leisurely midday meal with friends, the eclectic lunch options in Kentucky will leave every palate satisfied. From hearty burger bars to delicious noodle places, here are the 8 best spots for lunch in Kentucky.
Dad’s Favorites might just be the best kept secret in Lexington. From humble beginnings of preparing good food with a twist for his family, James Caudill (Dad) knew he wanted to share his culinary gift with others. From that desire, Dad’s Favorites was created in 2008, and has been going strong ever since. Open Monday through Friday, Dad’s offers unique combo like the smoky pimento BLT, asiago pot roast sandwich, and the chipotle cheddar ham melt sandwich. Frequent diners can get a rewards card that saves even more, and if you really can’t get enough of what Dad’s has, you can stop by the deli and take home a variety of sandwich spreads or have them cater your next event.
If you want a taste treat that will please your palate and fill your tummy, you have to visit Mussel & Burger Bar in downtown Louisville. Granted, it’s not a typical combination, but it pub grub has never tasted so good. Using a new twist on old favorites, this lunchtime favorite eatery does everything fresh and wholesome. With two convenient locations in Louisville, they’re open every day, and you can enjoy lunch favorites like mussels with curry cream, lemongrass, shallots, lemon zest, and chili oil, or the Spanish blue burger, made with bleu cheese, pepper crest, and fig marmalade and served with sweet potato fries and a smoke pineapple dipping sauce that will knock your socks off.
If bourbon is your passion, you’ve found the right place at Bourbon on Main. Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, Bourbon on Main is where history and great bourbons come together with the people who love both. Stop by for lunch after seeing the downtown shops and exploring the area any day except Sunday and Monday, and enjoy food that’s as fun as the restaurant that serves up favorites like the Spicy Burger, made of bourbon-braised pork belly and spicy beer cheese and a signature cocktail like the BOM Old Fashioned, a handcrafted drink of buffalo trace, brown sugar, aromatic bitters, orange, cherry, and grapefruit.
One of Elizabethtown’s best kept secret is 2B Thai, a traditional eatery featuring the curries, noodles, stir fry, and fried rice of Thailand. You can stop by for lunch between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. every day but Sunday, and choose your favorite chicken, fish, beef, pork, or vegetarian meal from an extensive menu selection served by friendly people in a casual but quaint environment. Pricing is very reasonable, too.
No matter what your day is like, lunch at Noodles & Company is always a good idea. Whether you’re out shopping, taking a break from work, or just out running errands, you can count on great service and high-quality made-to-order foods like spicy Korean beef noodles, barbecue pork mac and cheese, or traditional Japanese pan noodles. This eatery has a great kids’ menu, and they offer gluten-free, meatless, sugar-free, and low-salt options for hungry diners. They even have a frequent shopper card that can be used for discounts and notices of new menu items, and other fun and exciting things. Find locations in Florence, Lexington, Louisville, and Newport, Kentucky.
Los Tres Amigos in Calvert City, Kentucky, opened in 2009 with the desire to serve the most authentic Mexican food this side of the border. With a menu full of traditional Mexican favorites like nachos, fajitas, enchiladas, and burritos, you can stop by for lunch Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Once you eat at Gumbo Ya Ya, you’ll never forget the name or the experience. Serving up authentic and preservative-free Cajun cuisine since 1989, local owners Greg and Tressa Todd know a thing or two about Cajun Creole cooking, and it’s a simple, yet delicious menu for success that you’ll find here. Traditional red beans and rice or a plate of crawfish etouffee, you won’t be disappointed. With two convenient locations in Kentucky, you can check the website for daily specials before you go.
Knowing eggs-actly what you want is a specialty at Wild Eggs. From traditional eggs and bacon with a side of orange juice to something a little more inspiring like the signature everything muffin and sweet home apple bourbon crepes, this restaurant has won more awards than you can shake a stick at including “Best Breakfast,” “Best Brunch,” “Best Eggs Benedict,” and “Most Unique and Creative Concept” for years. Whether you want breakfast, lunch, or a combination of both, you can have your eggs any way you want in Louisville, Lexington, or Bowling Green.
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