Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Central Kentucky

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Central Kentucky? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Urban Stillhouse - Somerset

5.0

5 (107)

$31 to $50

American

Somerset

About the restaurant

Come and join us at The Urban Stillhouse Somerset, the food & beverage experience that showcases Horse Soldier Bourbon.

Top review

ChrisVIP

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

Love this place! I had the pork chop. It was cooked perfectly! She had the pecan crusted salmon with pomegranates and said it was amazing. The espresso martini is perfect and the old fashioneds are the best! We’ve been there a few times and will return any time we’re in Somerset. If you haven’t been there, give it a try.

Jack Fry's

4.9

4.9 (2649)

$50 and over

American

Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

About the restaurant

Jack Fry's serves up southern fare in a setting that's been a part of Louisville, Kentucky since around 1933. Visitors can step inside for lunch, dinner or cocktails, all to the soothing notes of live jazz. Once a hangout for local sports enthusiasts, Jack Fry's is now known for its fine dining and family-friendly atmosphere.

The executive chef prepares southern specialties and adds a bit of French influence to create local favorites like shrimp & grits, lamb chops and Jack's burger. Jack Fry's provides a friendly atmosphere and live jazz , ensuring the entire group will find something to enjoy.

Top review

AaronVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great place and wonderful food. A bit noisy due to it being full, but would definitely return.

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Bella Cafe & Grille (Fountains at Palomar)

4.8

4.8 (245)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

At Bella Cafe & Grille, we’d like you to enjoy our menu prepared with attention to detail and the quality you deserve.

Top review

Eric

Dined today

Great experience! Will definitely be back! Atmosphere, food, and service were great!

Bella Cafe & Grille in Chevy Chase

4.8

4.8 (149)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Everyday Dining Elevated
We have taken your everyday favorites and elevated them a smidge!
At Bella Cafe & Grille, we’d like you to enjoy our menu prepared with attention to detail and the quality you deserve.

Bella Notte Restaurant Group’s newest concept keeps with the same tradition of using fresh local ingredients and letting the natural ingredients speak for themselves with a focus on convenient carryout and delivery.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 2 days ago

Great place to see friends and enjoy a relaxing dining experience.

Watch Hill Proper

4.8

4.8 (52)

$31 to $50

American

East Louisville

About the restaurant

Watch Hill Proper Bourbon Bar & Kitchen is a unique restaurant experience located in the heart of bourbon country. Open to the public, we offer the largest selection of American whiskey in the country along with a world class cocktail program made entirely with American whiskey. Chef Michael Crouch is a master of blending flavor to pair with our whiskey, cocktails, and wine offerings.

Top review

TiffanyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

The ribeye was absolutely incredible. Our server, Chris was top notch. Will for sure be back.

OBC Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (4401)

$31 to $50

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

OBC Kitchen is a local, chef-driven restaurant that houses an extremely rare bourbon collection, eclectic craft beer selection and extensive wine list. Centuries-old local barn wood surrounds guests as they enjoy high quality, distinctive dishes in a pub like atmosphere. Indulge in chef-driven dishes and seasonal favorites. Celebrate the weekend with $5 Happy Hour features each Friday. Enjoy brunch favorites, bloody marys and mimosas on Saturday and Sunday.

The passionate staff fosters a spirit of hospitality and Kentucky heritage. OBC Kitchen was named after the counties that eventually became Kentucky; “Old Bourbon County” was stamped on bourbon barrels that floated down the Mississippi from Kentucky and became synonymous with the best bourbon in the U.S.

Top review

StephenVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Everything was good, beer selection was very good. Initially they wanted to seat us near the front door, I asked if we could be moved, temperatures outside were in the 20’s and it was cool in that spot, they accommodated our request and moved us to a high top near the bar. Much warmer but dark. I had the horseradish potato crusted salmon which was very good and my wife hade the Wagu Burger, which was very good as well, but not sure I would rate either as outstanding. Probably a place for a younger crowd than my wife and I, though the background music was all us.

Carson's on Main

4.8

4.8 (6222)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Carson's Food & Drink features new and exciting chef-driven recipes and cocktails that combine rustic refinement with classic Kentucky elegance in a casual, yet comfortable atmosphere.

One of Lexington Kentucky's finest restaurants; Multi Year Winner of OpenTable's "Diners' Choice" (2017,18,19,20,21,22) and included in RestaurantNews 'Top 100 Restaurants in America 2018'.

We can't wait to welcome you!

Top review

AnnVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Our new favorite place to eat before UK basketball games. Great menu variety, drink specials and excellent service…we will be back!

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Ice Cream Sundae Martini

Bardstown Bourbon Company Kitchen & Bar

4.9

4.9 (2577)

$30 and under

American

Bardstown

About the restaurant

Thoughtfully executed, approachable cuisine informed by both Kentucky classics and the world's finest flavors. We source locally, calling out the farms right on the menu, and make everything in house. We call this the Modern Kentucky Experience.

Please allow ample time to enjoy your meal prior to a tour with us. Our suggestions: 1-2 guests 1 hour 15 minutes, 2-4 guests 1 hour 30 minutes, 4- 8 guests 1 hour 45 minutes, 9-12 guests 2 hours

Top review

Cindy

Dined 1 day ago

Great place food was excellent . Would definitely come back.

Carson's at Andover

4.8

4.8 (882)

$31 to $50

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

"Carson's at Andover" is "Carson's Food & Drink's" second location. Featuring new and exciting chef-driven recipes and cocktails that combine rustic refinement with classic Kentucky elegance in a casual, yet comfortable atmosphere. "Carson's on Main" is a multi year winner of OpenTable's "Diners' Choice" (2017,18,19,20,21,22) and included in RestaurantNews 'Top 100 Restaurants in America 2018'. We can't wait to welcome you!

Top review

knbrVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful service with delicious and varied menu.

Mesh - Louisville

4.7

4.7 (3559)

$30 and under

American

St Matthews

About the restaurant

Mesh blends contemporary elegance and comfort with innovative cuisine and excellent service. The original menu and unique decor make Mesh an ideal setting for business meetings, romantic evenings, or a night out with friends.

A meal at Mesh is one you won't soon forget and value you won’t believe.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Delicious food and great service. Try the chicken salad. The chili was also fantastic.

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Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

Explore Diners' Choice best of Central Kentucky