Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Central Kentucky

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Central Kentucky? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. 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 (105)

$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

Kimberly

Dined 3 days ago

We love this place. The food is amazing as always, great ambience and the staff is awesome and with all this it’s why we keep going back. If you haven’t been here it’s a must!

OBC Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (4366)

$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

Leslie

Dined 4 days ago

The servers, bartenders, etc. were phenomenal! Our waitress was well versed in the menu, not how to make suggestions, engaged at the appropriate level, meaning she kept the water glasses and are needs met without hovering.

Jack Fry's

4.8

4.8 (2627)

$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

jimmy

Dined 2 days ago

Lovely dinner with good friends! Excellent service and wonderful food…Between the 4 of us we had 3 different salads, the pork chop, the salmon, and the burger (love the bacon jam on the burger)! It is always a treat to dine here!

Discover more

Bella Cafe & Grille in Chevy Chase

4.8

4.8 (143)

$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

FranVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Lively atmosphere, great service and food. The French fries were to-die-for.

Bella Cafe & Grille (Fountains at Palomar)

4.8

4.8 (224)

$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

Cecilia

Dined 6 days ago

It is the perfect place for a lunch with good friends.

Carson's on Main

4.8

4.8 (6180)

$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

Tyler

Dined 3 days ago

Went here for a late anniversary celebration had the most Amazing nachos followed up by perfectly seasoned jambalaya… had so much flavor. Steak was cooked perfectly. Last and definitely not least the bread pudding is amazing. Way more food than we could eat but glad we tried everything we did. We will definitely be going back!

Discover more

Ice Cream Sundae Martini

Watch Hill Proper

5.0

5 (44)

$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

Ralph

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful experience. They have a happy hour until 5.

Carson's at Andover

4.8

4.8 (811)

$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

Jessica

Dined 3 days ago

Made a reservation for 3 for a work holiday lunch. Sat us in Michael’s section and he did wonderfully!! First time at this location and overall it was better than the downtown location. Ample parking in a paved lot. Beautifully decorated and more spacious than downtown. Food was good, service was good, noise level wasn’t as bad as other reviews have said. We will definitely be back!!

Bardstown Bourbon Company Kitchen & Bar

4.9

4.9 (2569)

$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

GeorgeVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great Food Outstanding Ambience Amazing Service - ask for Will

Mesh - Louisville

4.8

4.8 (3532)

$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

Wanda

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food quality & quantity. Noise level was high level until a table of three men finished & left, & them it was pleasant. Unthoughtful people issue. Not restaurant’s .

Discover more

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

Explore Diners' Choice best of Central Kentucky