Kentucky may be a land-locked state, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some seriously good seafood restaurants throughout the Bluegrass State. For innovative and delicious seafood with exceptional service, check out these eight impressive seafood restaurants in Kentucky.
Voted the “Best Seafood Restaurant,” “Best Fish Sandwich,” and “Best Onion Rings” by the Courier Journal, Mike Linnig’s in Louisville knows how to do fish. For the past 80 years, this family-owned business has evolved from a working family farm to small roadside fruit and vegetable stand to what it is today—a popular place for locals to come, visit with friends, and enjoy some great Southern cooking at the area’s largest seafood restaurant. Closed on Mondays, Mike’s is still using the same principles of providing good food at good prices.
Located on the edge of the beautiful Ohio River in Prospect, Kentucky, Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille is an elegant and dining experience where you can choose to dine indoors and outside in good weather. Reservations are encouraged for inside dining and on holidays, and are always encouraged because of the popularity of the restaurant. Examples of the seafood fare include firecracker shrimp, a tempura shrimp with a spicy orange drizzle, “Captain’s Six-Cheese Mac & Cheese” featuring additions of shrimp, crab, ham, chicken, or pork belly, fish tacos, and a North Atlantic cod sandwich with fries and coleslaw. You can also have Captain’s Quarters cater your next event on the waterfront for lasting memories.
Tucked in the historic part of the city, the Lighthouse Restaurant in Sulphur Well, Kentucky, is one of the state’s top independently-owned restaurants according to Kentucky Living Magazine. Thought of as more than a restaurant, the Lighthouse Restaurant is a dining destination where history and good food join forces for an amazing experience. Family owned, the Lighthouse makes some of the best country fried chicken, ham, and catfish served family-style Thursdays through Saturdays. And make sure you save room for one of the homemade pies.
Established in 2002, the Key in Murray, Kentucky, features Cajun and Creole-inspired foods that will satisfy your craving for just about any type of fish. From the crawfish bread to the fried pepper Jack stuffed shrimp, to the blackened oyster and blue crab skillet and seafood gumbo, your mouth will be watering. You’ll also find red fish, Ahi tuna, tilapia, catfish, and combo platters that are fried, boiled, or steamed. They have steak, turkey, pork, and chicken for those you don’t care for seafood, but everyone enjoys the sides like the corn nuggets and desserts.
Not technically a restaurant, the Suburban Lodge in Louisville, Kentucky, fries and serves Green River-style fish by the pound every Saturday from March through November except for during the Derby. This mouthwatering fish recipe uses fresh hand-cut fish in a peppery cornmeal batter and can be purchased per sandwich or platter. The platter includes fish, fries, slaw or famous marinated onions, and bread for $8.95. The first fish fry was in 1927 and continues to be a popular event for locals and out-of-town visitors.
Offering daily specials like grilled salmon, clam strips, and pecan cobbler, Willow Pond in Eddyville, Kentucky, is Southern catfish done well. Open every day, they also have a dine-in only option for all-you-can-eat-catfish, and it’s become a very popular option. Favorite sides include the white beans, hush puppies, and red pepper relish. If you love fish, then this is the place to go.
Harpers Catfish in a small mom and pop eatery located in Scottsville, Kentucky, that serves big appetites with big flavor. Open Wednesday through Sunday, you’ll be greeted and treated like family when you stop by and there is usually no wait for a table even when they’re busy. Known for large portions even for the children’s menu, it will be hard to go home hungry.
Featuring nightly specials like all-you-can-eat-catfish and regular menu items like oysters on the half shell, Shawn’s famous gumbo, and fried alligator, they offer shrimp any way you like it, scallops, cod, crab, frog legs, catfish, Ahi tuna, and salmon, you can enjoy Happy Hour every day from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. and get half-priced domestic draft beer and margaritas.