What is the best restaurant in The State of Kentucky?

vhcat70

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I’m only familiar with Northern Kentucky. But two of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to are in my hometown of Covington.

https://deefelicecafe.com/

I’ve been to Dee Felice Cafe several times. Blackened Catfish and Red Beans and Rice are both phenomenal.

https://18dining.com/

Eighteen at the Raddison (formerly, The Riverview Room) is also great. Upscale. Great service. Incredible skyline views, especially as the sun sets and city lights come on.
We enjoy Dee Felice a lot though infrequently.

Walt's Hitching Post at the bottom of Kyle's Lane is first rate. I think it's as good as Jeff Ruby's places at 2/3 the price.

Not in KY, but ate at his Precinct tonight for the first time in about 20 years as part of a graduation celebration. Filet topped with asparagus & king crab meat was excellent.
 

Pickle_Rick

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I remember as a kid we went to Daytona beach to visit grandparents. Dad took us to a new restaurant that had just opened up. Krystal's. Advertized as just as good as white castle. Damn things were putrid! I have never gone into another Krystals, that's how traumatizing it was.
 

HagginHall1999

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We enjoy Dee Felice a lot though infrequently.

Walt's Hitching Post at the bottom of Kyle's Lane is first rate. I think it's as good as Jeff Ruby's places at 2/3 the price.

Not in KY, but ate at his Precinct tonight for the first time in about 20 years as part of a graduation celebration. Filet topped with asparagus & king crab meat was excellent.

Walt's is good, I wouldn't put it in Ruby's category (jump), but definitely like it.

Ruby's is the answer...Lex or Louisville. There is nowhere in the state you can get better steak/lobster/crab/shrimp or even a burger than there.

I ate their burger for the first time a few months back and it was delicious.

@Ron Mehico who orders oysters in the middle of a norovirus. Ordered them literally the same week FDA issued warning about not eating them 😂😂
 

Rebelfreedomeagle

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Thai Smile
I know several people who would answer this without hesitation. The place has the most dedicated following of any restaurant I know of.

My choice would have to be something eclectic. I’m going with Ramsi’s Cafe.
 

bkingUK

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Ruby’s is good but portion size to cost ratio isn’t worth it. I’d go with a Malone’s before a Ruby’s.
 
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WildcatfaninOhio

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Walt's Hitching Post at the bottom of Kyle's Lane is first rate. I think it's as good as Jeff Ruby's places at 2/3 the price.

I've been meaning to try Walt's Hitching Post for the last 20 years, and haven't gotten around to it. Would love to get an upscale steak meal for a "reasonable" price. One of the first dining out experiences we tried as covid restrictions were being eased was Carlo & Johnny, which is a Jeff Ruby owned place in Montgomery OH. We knew it was going to be expensive since we had previously eaten at The Precinct, and we viewed the menu (with prices) online. But damn! Dinner for two, one mixed drink and one glass of wine, two desserts...just under $300, before the tip.
 

BrandonJones

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Missy’s ‘Out of the Way’ Cafe

Raywick, Kentucky. A little town known mostly for not snitching (haha), but they also have by one of the best places I have eaten. Steak Nicole!!! Ridiculous. Call ahead to make sure they will be open before going. It may not look it, but trust me. Wife and I drive 45 minutes to hit up this place 3-4 times a year.
 

Ukbrassowtipin

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I just read a review of Tolly Ho that complained that it was too expensive. I don't live in Lexington anymore and it has been about 4 years since I have been there, but WTF? I used to eat there for breakfast and would get eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns with a drink for maybe $6. Last time I went in I got a ho burger, cheddar tots, and a beer and it was maybe $12. WTF you can't get much cheaper than that!
You know it's not in the same location anymore? I've only been there once since it moved which was many years ago, but it just didn't seem the same
 

WildcatFan1982

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Yeah it’s on Broadway now. I’ve been told it was there a long time ago before it moved to Limestone. But when I moved to Lexington it was on Broadway next to jimmy johns and that one place on the corner that has been about 500 different things
 

vhcat70

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Walt's is good, I wouldn't put it in Ruby's category (jump), but definitely like it.

Ruby's is the answer...Lex or Louisville. There is nowhere in the state you can get better steak/lobster/crab/shrimp or even a burger than there.

I ate their burger for the first time a few months back and it was delicious.

@Ron Mehico who orders oysters in the middle of a norovirus. Ordered them literally the same week FDA issued warning about not eating them 😂😂
Walt's has a rotating sign on pole across from Precinct. Hilarious.
 
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vhcat70

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I've been meaning to try Walt's Hitching Post for the last 20 years, and haven't gotten around to it. Would love to get an upscale steak meal for a "reasonable" price. One of the first dining out experiences we tried as covid restrictions were being eased was Carlo & Johnny, which is a Jeff Ruby owned place in Montgomery OH. We knew it was going to be expensive since we had previously eaten at The Precinct, and we viewed the menu (with prices) online. But damn! Dinner for two, one mixed drink and one glass of wine, two desserts...just under $300, before the tip.
We've eaten at C&J''s 2-3X. Walt's is under new management last 5-8 years. Previous was focused on ribs smoked outdoors on-sight. Excellent but atmosphere got stale after ~ 60 years & they closed. Sat idle for a while. Still have the ribs but more varied menu.

Imagine the bill for 16 (5 under age and a vegan) last night at Precinct. Glad I was paying. With tip, $2K+ wouldn't surprise me. I made sure I was personally $150 of it. :cool:
 
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Ron Mehico

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Walt's is good, I wouldn't put it in Ruby's category (jump), but definitely like it.

Ruby's is the answer...Lex or Louisville. There is nowhere in the state you can get better steak/lobster/crab/shrimp or even a burger than there.

I ate their burger for the first time a few months back and it was delicious.

@Ron Mehico who orders oysters in the middle of a norovirus. Ordered them literally the same week FDA issued warning about not eating them 😂😂

It wasn’t too different tasting coming up as it did going down. The 48 martinis or whatever the hell we were drinking didn’t help 😂
 

gobigbluebell

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I remember as a kid we went to Daytona beach to visit grandparents. Dad took us to a new restaurant that had just opened up. Krystal's. Advertized as just as good as white castle. Damn things were putrid! I have never gone into another Krystals, that's how traumatizing it was.

I remember when my town got a Krystals. They trucked the entire building in just like a mobile home. Picked it up with the crane, sat it down, opened the doors, and said "Ok, come get your ****** lil burger things".
 
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Jan 28, 2007
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White Castle in Florence
I went a few months ago after a redeye flight into CVG that landed at 5:30 AM. Let me tell you something, they were the most exquisitely cooked white castles I have ever had. The buns were like steamed pillows. The onions were caramalized bliss. The pickles were as if god himself had brined and jarred those cucumbers. Truly an amazing experience.

Then again, I went there a few weeks later at 2 AM which is the ***** shift. Completely different experience.
 

Ron Mehico

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Ruby’s is good but portion size to cost ratio isn’t worth it. I’d go with a Malone’s before a Ruby’s.

I’d have to disagree there. Malones is cheaper, yes, but not really sure how you could compare the two otherwise, imo. If both were the same price I’m not sure anyone with sane mind would rate them equally.
 
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bkingUK

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I’d say Blue Heron is the best bang for your buck if we’re only talking steak.
Haven’t been to Blue Heron. Think I’d go to a Pat’s Steakhouse in Louisville. But honestly, big fan of Malone’s in both Lou and Lex. Think it’s good for that,

Have a hard time putting a Ruby’s as best restaurant in KY. Arguably most expensive fine dining in state (has to be towards top), but if I’m telling someone to go to one restaurant in state of KY...pushing to most expensive is too easy.
 

H. Lecter

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Missy’s ‘Out of the Way’ Cafe

Raywick, Kentucky. A little town known mostly for not snitching (haha), but they also have by one of the best places I have eaten. Steak Nicole!!! Ridiculous. Call ahead to make sure they will be open before going. It may not look it, but trust me. Wife and I drive 45 minutes to hit up this place 3-4 times a year.
Been there a few times. Definitely good food and a unique place. Lived near there for awhile. Whole family still lives out that way but I haven’t been in awhile. Making it a point to go next time I’m out there.
 

Kybluedude

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Been there a few times. Definitely good food and a unique place. Lived near there for awhile. Whole family still lives out that way but I haven’t been in awhile. Making it a point to go next time I’m out there.
Might be closed?
 

luv2hit63

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Smokey pig BBQ in bowling Green. They have brisket now. BUT, shoulder plate double dipped, any side is good.
Around 5 years ago, four of us stopped in on a Saturday afternoon and ate inside. All of us had BBQ. The next day all four of us were sitting in church. My stomach started rolling, you know what happened next. Within the next 45 minutes, all of us were staying within 25 feet of the toilet. Will never eat there again. Even if it was free.
 
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bkingUK

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For Louisvillians, there is a hidden restaurant behind La Bodeguita (The big yellow Cuban house in NULU) called Senora Arepa's, which is fast casual. I didn't even know what an arepa was, but that place is legit and you will like it. You're welcome.
 

bkingUK

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Im hesitant to call myself a foodie, because it makes me sound hipster, but I kind of am. The best of Louisville I've been to recently (in no order):
  • Chik'n Mi (Clifton)
    • Asian Fusion. Arguably wings & Raman in city
  • Torino Sandwich Bar (located @ West Sixth plaza)
    • Only open lunch hours. Expensive. But great lunch.
  • The Eagle (Highlands)
    • Based out of Cincinnati but good fried chicken + honey + comfort food
  • Shiraz (Highlands)
    • Yea, this is a local chain, but particularly the one in the Highlands is best and most authentic.
  • La Bodeguita (NULU)
    • Cuban. The big yellow house in NULU. Huge portions. Piano player. Good vibes.
  • Silver Dollar (North Frankfort Ave)
    • Would've been towards top of list 10 years ago, but their ribs are still awesome
  • Cold Smoke Bagels @ Logan Street Market
    • Best god damned bagels and lox in the United States. Searched NYC for better bagels and lox. Could not find. I'd buy stock in this place if I could.
  • West Sixth + Emmy Squared (NULU)
    • You get your beer at West Sixth. You order from phone or in person for take out at Emmy Squared. You sit in the courtyard. And it's great.
  • Mussel and Burger Bar (Museum Row)
    • I love this place. Great for a Saturday night. Description is in the name.
  • Malone's (Springhurst)
    • Either in Louisville or Lex, Malone's is among the best. And I'd fight anyone who says otherwise. They just do it right. Bottomless salad is GOAT.
Not necessarily the best above, but places I'd recommend to anyone.
 

PhDcat2018

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Around 5 years ago, four of us stopped in on a Saturday afternoon and ate inside. All of us had BBQ. The next day all four of us were sitting in church. My stomach started rolling, you know what happened next. Within the next 45 minutes, all of us were staying within 25 feet of the toilet. Will never eat there again. Even if it was free.
Really? That's not good
 
Jan 28, 2007
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Around 5 years ago, four of us stopped in on a Saturday afternoon and ate inside. All of us had BBQ. The next day all four of us were sitting in church. My stomach started rolling, you know what happened next. Within the next 45 minutes, all of us were staying within 25 feet of the toilet. Will never eat there again. Even if it was free.
Food poisoning usually kicks in within the first 6-8 hours. You may have picked up a stomach bug which isn’t usually tied to poor sanitary conditions.
 
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Missy’s ‘Out of the Way’ Cafe

Raywick, Kentucky. A little town known mostly for not snitching (haha), but they also have by one of the best places I have eaten. Steak Nicole!!! Ridiculous. Call ahead to make sure they will be open before going. It may not look it, but trust me. Wife and I drive 45 minutes to hit up this place 3-4 times a year.
The SOB's are killer.
 

bkingUK

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Missy’s ‘Out of the Way’ Cafe

Raywick, Kentucky. A little town known mostly for not snitching (haha), but they also have by one of the best places I have eaten. Steak Nicole!!! Ridiculous. Call ahead to make sure they will be open before going. It may not look it, but trust me. Wife and I drive 45 minutes to hit up this place 3-4 times a year.
Place looks interesting

 

wildcatdon

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My wife and I have always liked Buck’s in the old Mayflower Hotel. Great atmosphere that takes you back in time and the food has always been good. Prices have gone up a bit since Covid, but still a great place.