Come to Elizabethtown for the idyllic countryside, quaint downtown area, and historic museums and tours, but stay for the friendly service and fresh, home cooking in its many local dining establishments. Try one of these top 10 restaurants from the small town in the heart of Kentucky, and you will be feeling at home in no time.
After a morning out in Elizabethtown’s historic downtown area, walk from the public square to Cobbler’s Café for a gourmet coffee and a sandwich, pastry, or burger. The cafe opened its doors in 2004 in an old, skinny brick building built in the 1800s. The exposed brick in the interior gives the cafe a cozy, relaxed feel, and the peeling paint over the outside bricks give the building a rustic charm. Cobbler’s is now a local fixture in the community, known for its generous portions, country-style breakfast, and, naturally, its cobbler.
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Back Home Restaurant has blossomed from its humble beginnings around 30 years ago when Linda and Tommy Fulkerson started selling antiques out of the trunk of their car in downtown Elizabethtown. Now Back Home is a fully equipped restaurant, a crafts and antique shop, and a boutique run by the Fulkerson’s daughter and her husband. True to its name, Back Home Restaurant sells Southern classics like fried green tomatoes, beans and cornbread, fried chicken, and even a funnel cake for dessert.
Looking for fresh seafood in landlocked Kentucky? 701 Fish House & Oyster Bar source their seafood daily from vendors in Florida, California, and other locations dedicated to preserving their high quality products through quick seafood shipments. Much of the rest of 701’s food comes from local Kentucky farmers. The menu has a hint of the South with New Orleans and Nashville inspired dishes like gumbos, hot fried oysters, and more. Local pride permeates this restaurant; even the number in its name is a reference to the last three digits of the area’s zip code.
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Opened in 1977, the Stone Hearth Restaurant has been designed in a comfortable, European style. At lunchtime the Stone Hearth caters for a casual experience with many options for light meals or a salad bar. When the lights are dimmed at night, the restaurant becomes a high-class venue for your evening meal. Enjoy a filet mignon or cranberry Brie chicken dinner. Don’t miss the Sunday buffet, or book one of the restaurant’s various private rooms for your next big event.
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For the best Thai food in town, try 2B Thai’s authentic cuisine. Service is quick and friendly, and if your dish isn’t quite spicy enough, the owners will gladly add extra peppers wherever necessary. It may be difficult to choose just one dish from this extensive menu, but you can take heart in the fact that any choice will leave you satisfied. If you are uncomfortable ordering or if you’re plagued with indecision, don’t hesitate to ask your waiter for recommendations based on spice and flavor preferences.
Roxie’s Etown is the place to find a quick and delicious lunch in downtown Elizabethtown. The restaurant opened in 2013 just down the street from Elizabethtown’s public square. Roxie’s specializes in upscale comfort food served by a welcoming staff. Although the atmosphere is diner-chic, the greasy food is nowhere to be seen. Roxie’s burgers are juicy, the greens are plentiful, and the catfish is rave-worthy. Avoid the chains and enjoy lunch here instead.
Now with six locations around Kentucky since opening in 1988, Mark’s Feed Store is the self-proclaimed best barbecue in Louisville. Before opening his own restaurant, owner Mark Erwin ventured to western Kentucky to learn the art of barbecuing from the experts. After he learned the ropes he came back home to Louisville where he experimented with his own sauces. Mark’s Bar-B-Q is served on a sandwich, on a burger, or on a salad. Stop by the Elizabethtown branch on a Tuesday for a free kid’s meal or catch the food truck on one of its rounds.
Reuben’s Classic Deli claims to put worries over the ‘mystery meats’ served at corporate food chains to rest with fresh deli sandwiches. Reuben’s sandwiches are bulging with toppings, including fresh deli meats from Boar’s Head meats, and the chefs even smoke their meats on-site. Daily specials are served alongside classics like the Italian meatball sub, fried bologna, and the Reuben on rye. Although eating at Rueben’s will cost you a bit more time and money than eating at a fast food chain, when you bite into your sandwich it’ll all be worth it.
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For a taste of India in central Kentucky head to Namaste Indian Cuisine & Bar lunchtime buffet. The buffet is an affordable way to load your plate up with different dishes until you find the perfect one for you. Namaste’s naan is warm and the fresh curries are just spicy enough for an American palate. Order off the menu if you’re experienced with Indian cuisine or if you want to try something with a little more spice.
Located in the Towne Mall just north of Freeman Lake Park, Michael’s Italian Restaurant Express is great for a casual dinner after a day spent shopping or exploring the Lincoln Heritage House in the park. The portions are huge, so be sure to go in hungry and ready to load up on carbs. All of Michael’s dishes are made from scratch, and the restaurant specializes in classic Italian fare with a Caribbean twist. Try the meatballs for something traditional.
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