We couldn’t include EVERY Kentucky city, because apparently there are over 400 that meet that criteria, so check out these highlights according to our friends at Yelp, TripAdvisor, Facebook, and of course personal experience:
Louisville
Le Moo
→ Why it’s a winner: Brunch is offered DAILY from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., mimosas are only $1, and they sell out awesome events on the regular, plus it’s a steakhouse by night. Need we say more?
→ Runner(s) Up: The Silver Dollar, Garage Bar, Toast on Market, Highland Morning, SuperChefs, LouVino, Zeggz
→ Honorable Mention (aka only breakfast aka no alcohol): The Cafe
Owensboro
The Miller House
→ Why it’s a winner: Over 20 southern staples make up this mouthwatering menu, all but two of which are under $15.
→ Runner(s) Up: City Walk
→ Honorable Mention (aka only breakfast aka no alcohol): Windy Hollow Restaurant
Bowling Green
White Squirrel Brewery
→ Why it’s a winner: A) Brunch in a brewery, B) Breakfast Poutine, C) BACON CUP, D) Hot Jam Burger, and E) did we mention beer?
→ Runner(s) Up: Novo Dolce, Hickory & Oak, The Bistro, Home Cafe & Market Place, Pub by Novo, The Local Taco (look familiar, Lexingtonians?)
→ Honorable Mention (aka only breakfast aka no alcohol): Brindee’s Restaurant
Covington
27 Bar+Kitchen
→ Why it’s a winner: Where to begin? This hidden gem boasts award-winning Bloody Mary’s (according to CityBeat) and a hip but casual vibe that begs you to linger all afternoon. The menu is small but carefully curated and the flavors never end. Don’t miss the recently-added dog park (!!!) out back!
→ Runner(s) Up: Otto’s, Coppin’s, Press on Monmouth, Commonwealth Bistro, The Baker’s Table (Newport), Blinkers Tavern, Libby’s
→ Honorable Mention (aka only breakfast aka no alcohol): Old Town Cafe
Frankfort
The Stave
→ Why it’s a winner: Beautiful drive? Check! Perfect proximity to world-class bourbon distilleries? Check! Delectable sweet and savory southern dishes in a quaint setting with craft cocktails to write home about? Check! Check! Check!
→ Runner(s) Up: Sage Garden Cafe, Holly Hill Inn (technically located in nearby Midway, but this is yet another DON’T MISS if you’re in the area!)
→ Honorable Mention (aka only breakfast aka no alcohol): Rick’s White Light Diner. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives. Blink and you’ll miss it, so seriously, don’t blink!
Richmond
Madison Garden Bar & Grill
→ Why it’s a winner: With over 175 beers to choose from, plus only $3.99 for mimosas or DIY Bloody Marys, what’s not to love? This downtown institution is (in)famous for their wings, but on Saturdays and Sundays until 3 p.m. they offer a traditional breakfast spread that’s sure help settle your head!
→ Runner(s) Up: Chenault Vineyards, The Woodford Club
→ Honorable Mention (aka only breakfast aka no alcohol): Purdy’s Coffee
Georgetown
Local Feed
→ Why it’s a winner: The quintessential farm-to-table restaurant situated in a historic ice house manages to be completely unassuming and high-brow at the same time, and the hidden patio is an oasis for brunchers looking to get out of nearby Lexington. Best of all? You don’t have to wait until dinner to indulge in the skillet cornbread and sorghum butter – just be sure to save room for the sausage hash or chicken ‘n waffles!
→ Runner(s) Up: Broussard’s Delta Kitchen, Trindy’s, Trackside at the Depot (Paris)
→ Honorable Mention (aka only breakfast aka no alcohol): (tie) Josie’s, Fava’s Restaurant
Danville
The Still at AMBRAbev
→ Why it’s a winner: Foodies rejoice! This melting pot menu marries traditional southern dishes with Brazilian cuisine and the results are mouthwatering. Hot Brown Empanadas, anyone? And with the U.S. distillery conveniently housed next door, why not wash it down with a fresh caipirinha? Just because you can’t pronounce it doesn’t mean it’s not delightful!
→ Runner(s) Up: Beaumont Inn (Harrodsburg)
→ Honorable Mention (aka only breakfast aka no alcohol): (tie) The Hub Coffee House & Cafe, Grace Cafe. The latter is described as “a nonprofit, pay-what-you-can restaurant committed to ending hunger in the community by providing access to delicious, fresh, locally sourced, nutritious food for everyone regardless of their ability to pay. Now that is a brunch you can feel good about.
Notable & Noshworthy
Just because these last few spots don’t happen to be in a ‘big’ city doesn’t mean they aren’t worth checking out!
The Kentucky Castle (Versailles, KY)
It’s a freaking castle! What more could you want?
Red River Rockhouse (Campton, KY)
Nestled in the heart of the Red River Gorge, there’s nothing much fancy about the menu, but the setting is prime for a weekend away.
Wigwam Drive-In Restaurant (Ravenna, KY)
Despite the name this building is not shaped like a tee pee, but their breakfast has nothing short of a cult following!
Bellevue Bistro (Bellevue, KY)
They put crab on a hot brown, and we don’t know why, but it’s a must-try!
