Lexington, located in central Kentucky, is known for many things – the Kentucky Horse Park, the University of Kentucky, the bourbon trail, and fried chicken. Yes, that’s right! Fried chicken is a big deal in Lexington, and it is said to be some of the best you’ll ever taste. The city is home to a number of restaurants and cafes that serve up delicious country cooking, including fried chicken that is both crispy and juicy, and seasoned to perfection. Let’s dive in and explore the famous fried chicken and country cooking scene in Lexington, Kentucky.
A Little History
Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, has over 20,000 locations worldwide and is one of the most recognized fast-food chains in the world. But did you know that it all started in Kentucky? In 1930, Harland Sanders opened a small restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, serving up fried chicken cooked to perfection in cast-iron skillets. His secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices quickly became famous, and in the 1950s, he franchised the business, and KFC was born.
The Best Places for Fried Chicken
In Lexington, there are several places that serve up fried chicken that rivals the Colonel’s original recipe. Here are a few of our favorites:
Beaumont Inn
The Beaumont Inn has been serving up traditional Southern cuisine since the 1840s. Their restaurant includes an airy, sun-filled dining room and a scenic patio. What to order? The fried chicken with a side of their famous black-eyed peas.
Joella’s Hot Chicken
Joella’s Hot Chicken is a newcomer to the Lexington food scene, but they’ve already made a name for themselves with their crispy, spicy fried chicken. You can order your chicken with heat levels ranging from "Southern" to "Fire in the Hole."
Winchell’s
Located in downtown Lexington, Winchell’s is a Southern-style diner that serves up all the classics, from burgers to biscuits and gravy. But it’s their buttermilk fried chicken that keeps people coming back for more.
Other Country Cooking Favorites
While Lexington may be famous for its fried chicken, the city is also home to a number of restaurants that specialize in country cooking. Here are a few of our recommendations:
Ramsey’s Diner
The atmosphere at Ramsey’s Diner is cozy and welcoming, with mismatched chairs and old vinyl booths. But it’s the food that really steals the show. Order a plate of their corn cakes, fried catfish, and mac and cheese and thank us later.
Wallace Station Deli & Bakery
Just outside of Lexington, in the small town of Versailles, Wallace Station Deli & Bakery is a destination for anyone looking for a slice of Kentucky’s country cooking. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but their barbecue pulled pork and pimento cheese sandwich are particularly noteworthy.
County Club
County Club is a cocktail bar that offers a unique twist on traditional Southern cuisine. Their menu includes fried bologna sandwiches, deviled eggs, and fried green tomatoes so good, you’ll want to order seconds.
In Conclusion
Lexington, Kentucky, is a food lover’s paradise, with a range of restaurants and cafes that serve up some of the best country cooking you’ll ever taste. From fried chicken to corn cakes, biscuits and gravy to barbecue, there’s something for everyone in Lexington’s food scene. So come on down and taste the best Southern cuisine that the Bluegrass State has to offer.