20 Best Restaurants in Owensboro, KY
This article was written by local contributor Louis Evans & edited by the Travel Lens team.
As someone who has spent a significant amount of time in Owensboro, KY, I've had the pleasure of exploring the city's diverse culinary scene.
From mouthwatering BBQs to cozy little cafes, Owensboro offers a little something for everyone.
Whether you're in town for a visit or a long-time resident like myself, there are plenty of dining options that have quickly become must-try spots for me.
Are you ready to embark on a delicious journey through this charming town?
Let's dive into some of the best restaurants in Owensboro, Kentucky!
Owensboro Karen Restaurant
One of the best things about living in this area is having the opportunity to dine at Owensboro Karen Restaurant.
As someone who loves trying new and unique cuisine, this place has always exceeded my expectations.
The first time I tried their samosa appetizer, I was blown away by the size and flavor packed into it.
Being a regular at this hidden gem, I've had the chance to try various dishes, and I must say, the Pad See Ew and Pad Thai are among my favorites.
What I love the most is that I can customize the spice level of my dishes, which makes it perfect for me and my friends who have different spice preferences.
The freshness of their ingredients and the authenticity of their flavors truly transport me to Southeast Asia with every visit.
It's no wonder that so many people, including visitors and even international students, have praised the place for its delicious and authentic cuisine.
Gyro House
The first time I visited Gyro House, I knew it will be my instant favorite.
The service is always fast, the food is hot and fresh, and the flavors are absolutely amazing.
They have a wide selection on their menu, ensuring that there is always something for everyone.
One of my go-to dishes is the Gyro with fries, and it has never disappointed me.
The best part about eating at Gyro House is that it's not a chain restaurant, so it truly feels like a unique dining experience every time I visit.
Apart from the delicious gyros, I also enjoy their chicken shawarma, and I would highly recommend you try it out.
And if you have a sweet tooth, don't forget to save some room for their baklava!
Carnival Cafe
Last Saturday, my family and I decided to try out Carnival Cafe for dinner, and it exceeded our expectations!
The moment we stepped in, we were greeted with a fantastic, lively atmosphere that truly captured the essence of a carnival.
There were so many food options on the menu that it was hard to choose.
We ended up ordering a variety of dishes to share, and everything was absolutely delicious.
The prices were also very budget-friendly, making the entire experience even more enjoyable.
The lobby had a slightly odd layout, but it only added to the unique charm of the place.
The cafe was bustling with energy, and we could feel the positive vibes from the other patrons as well.
City Walk
One of my favorite places to eat in Owensboro has to be City Walk.
As an American restaurant nestled in the heart of the city, it offers a fantastic dining experience that I've enjoyed time and time again.
The asparagus dish is a personal favorite of mine, as it's spiced to perfection and makes a great addition to any meal.
The Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta is another dish I can't get enough of – it's simply to die for.
Not only are the portion sizes huge, but the flavors are so unique that I doubt I could ever recreate them at home.
The atmosphere at City Walk is always welcoming and warm, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or family.
They have a great drink menu, offering a wide selection of beverages that cater to everyone's taste.
Plus, they even offer a military discount of 10%, which is something I truly appreciate.
Just a small tip: if you're planning to visit on a Saturday night, make sure to reserve a table in advance, as the place can get quite busy.
The food is definitely worth the wait, but having a reservation can save you some time.
And while they don't have draft beer, they do offer a variety of bottled options and a limited liquor bar.
In short, City Walk of Owensboro is a must-visit gem for any local resident or visitor looking to enjoy a fantastic meal in a charming atmosphere.
Windy Hollow Restaurant
My family and I have been going to Windy Hollow Restaurant for years now.
It's become a Sunday tradition for us to enjoy their all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.
I'm telling you, the food is absolutely delicious!
We particularly love the biscuits and gravy - they're the best in the area.
The scrambled eggs are also pretty impressive for a buffet-style meal.
And as a coffee aficionado, I can confidently say that their coffee is always hot and fresh.
Plus, the prices are really reasonable, so we never feel guilty indulging in this weekly treat.
You can find more details about this hidden gem at visitwindyhollow.com.
But it's not just about the food; it's the history behind Windy Hollow Restaurant that truly makes it a unique experience.
You see, the entire place is like a history museum, filled with all sorts of artifacts and memorabilia.
There's even a whole room dedicated to World War II memorabilia that we love exploring every time we go there.
Mi Ranchito
As an Owensboro resident, I can confidently say that Mi Ranchito is hands down one of the best Mexican restaurants in town.
I've become quite a loyal customer, and it's always a pleasure dining there with my family.
Just thinking about the amazing pollo primavera I had on my last visit makes me want to go back!
The salsa they serve is absolutely delicious too.
Trust me, you'll be craving it even after you leave the restaurant.
For more information and updates, you can always check their Facebook page.
Besides the great service, the food is really good and reasonably priced.
I mean, where else can you have a filling sit-down lunch for just $7, including a glass of water?
And if you're a fan of margaritas, you're in for a treat.
From Monday to Thursday, they offer a buy one, get one deal on margaritas, which makes it the perfect spot for a weekday dinner with friends.
I can't forget to mention the cheese dip – it's truly the best in town, and it goes perfectly with their crispy chips.
Don Mario's
One of my favorite places to enjoy a delicious Mexican meal in town is Don Mario's.
The fajitas and carnitas were so flavorful, and the service was warm and welcoming.
I've been a regular at Don Mario's since then, and I can confidently say their food is consistently amazing.
The street burritos are simply unbeatable, and their ceviche is always fresh and tangy.
My partner loves their dishes too, and we always leave feeling satisfied and full.
One thing I particularly love about this restaurant is their rice and queso - it's just outstanding.
Despite being a busy spot, the wait time for your food is always surprisingly quick.
The service has never failed me, and the prices are reasonable.
The Miller House
I've always heard great things about The Miller House but never tried it until recently.
I finally decided to give it a go, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
I went there with my family, and we all loved the upscale-casual atmosphere and the beautiful, historic setting.
Not only is the building a state landmark, but the restaurant's Southern-tinged American fare is absolutely delicious.
I ordered the shrimp and grits, which was incredibly flavorful, while my partner tried the Steak Manhattan special and was blown away by the quality and taste.
The bourbon wall was impressive as well, offering a wide range of prices and options for all preferences.
We also appreciated the excellent service and how cool and comfortable the basement bar area was on a hot summer day.
During our visit, we had the chance to sit outside and enjoy the lovely weather, but I've heard that the inside ambiance is also fantastic.
I can't wait to go back and try more of their dishes, especially the catfish, which I've heard rave reviews about.
The Famous Bistro
I've had the pleasure of dining at The Famous Bistro many times, and it has become one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood for a casual yet delicious meal.
Last week, my partner and I decided to visit once again, and it did not disappoint!
As usual, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly at a nicely prepared table.
Since it was a beautiful evening, we opted for the patio seating, which is quite charming.
We started our meal with the Spanakopita Bites, which were flaky and flavorful, and their fresh bread was just as heavenly as I remembered.
For my main course, I couldn't resist the Filet Mignon Au Poivre, which was expertly cooked and seasoned.
The roasted potatoes and sautéed Brussels sprouts on the side were a perfect complement.
My partner went for the Slow Braised Pork Chop with Rosemary-Peppercorn Gravy and was equally impressed with the tenderness and flavor of the dish.
We were quite full from our meal but couldn't resist grabbing a slice of caramel chocolate brownie a la mode to enjoy later at home.
Mellow Mushroom Owensboro
One of my favorite places to grab a delicious pizza and unwind with friends is Mellow Mushroom Owensboro.
This funky, art-filled pizzeria is a must-visit for anyone who loves creative stone-baked pizzas and craft beer.
I appreciate their extensive menu with a variety of dishes catering to different dietary restrictions.
It's great to see so many clearly marked vegetarian options, as well as vegan and gluten-free choices.
Mellow Mushroom's pretzel bites served with their beer cheese is my usual appetizer, and I can never resist their Holy Shiitake mushroom pizza.
The toppings are always fresh and of high quality, while the crust is just the right combination of crispy and chewy.
In addition to their delicious food, the atmosphere is always lively and inviting.
The restaurant is located in a renovated bank building with the vault still intact, adding a unique touch to the overall ambiance.
Not only is the food and atmosphere top-notch, but the service is consistently great as well.
Ole South Barbeque
Just the other day, I decided to treat myself to some delicious Southern barbecue, and Ole South Barbeque was the perfect spot for it.
Their website had my mouth watering before I even got there.
The laid-back atmosphere of the restaurant instantly made me feel at home, and I couldn't wait to dig in.
The buffet was simply amazing, offering a variety of scrumptious dishes like pulled pork, ribs, fried chicken, and catfish.
I couldn't get enough of their mac & cheese, and the salad bar added a refreshing touch to the meal.
Don't even get me started on the dessert bar, where they served ice cream with fudge or caramel sauce options - heavenly!
What truly stood out during my visit was the outstanding service.
It felt like the entire restaurant was buzzing with satisfied customers who were equally impressed with the service.
PanAsian Chinese-Japanese Restaurant
I've been a regular at PanAsian Chinese-Japanese Restaurant for quite some time now.
Their food is always delicious, with big portions and a good price.
My personal favorites are pepper steak, teriyaki chicken skewers, egg rolls, shrimp fried rice, and steak fried rice.
The ingredients are always fresh, and the quality is definitely better than what you would get at a fast-food chain like Panda Express.
I just can't resist the taste and quality of their Asian cuisine.
Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
Just the other day, I had the pleasure of visiting the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn once again.
It's no wonder why this barbecue restaurant is a revered mainstay in our community.
As I walked in, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of smoked meats, including their famous mutton.
I opted for their lunch buffet, which exceeded my expectations.
The selection included their delicious broccoli cheese and macaroni, and I couldn't help but agree that a little more burgoo in the world would indeed go a long way.
The buffet also featured an assortment of other comfort foods, such as their fork-tender BBQ, mashed potatoes, and mac & cheese.
Even though I went after the dinner rush, the buffet still had everything available and fresh.
As I enjoyed my meal, I couldn't help but admire the atmosphere of the restaurant.
The Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn has managed to keep the best parts from decades ago while updating the building and decor.
I felt so comfortable and at home in the authentic atmosphere, which seemed to embrace and celebrate its history.
The restaurant also has a small store and "To Go" shop for those looking to grab a quick bite on the go.
What truly topped off my night at Moonlite was their amazing blackberry cobbler.
It was the perfect way to end a satisfying meal, and I can't wait for my next visit to this beloved local restaurant.
Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits
As soon as my friends and I stepped inside Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits , we were charmed by the chill space with counter and patio seating, making us feel right at home.
I started off with Garlic Knots, which were absolutely divine - the best I've had, hands down.
The pizza was truly phenomenal and quickly made its way to my top 5 all-time favorites list.
As a bonus, the beer was ice-cold and really hit the spot.
I also tried the roasted mushrooms with ricotta, and if you're a mushroom lover like me, you have to give it a go.
My friends and I shared a jalapeños popper calzone, and while we were slightly disappointed that the jalapeños were pickled, it was still a tasty treat.
Next time, I'm looking forward to trying more of their inventive pies and sampling their craft beers and cocktails.
Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits is definitely worth the visit, whether you're having a casual dinner for two or a family outing.
Thai Food Owensboro
Last week, I decided to try out Thai Food Owensboro, a nearby Thai restaurant that I've heard good things about.
I was happy to note that the restaurant lived up to its reputation.
Everything I tried was amazing.
I particularly loved that they offer a choice of spice levels on most of their entrees, so I could choose exactly how spicy I wanted my dish to be.
They were very knowledgeable about the dishes and their ingredients, ensuring an authentic Thai dining experience.
The ambiance of the place was quite comfortable, with well-spaced tables and just the right temperature inside.
I enjoyed good-sized portions of curry, pad Thai, and ramen with shrimp.
In addition, I was pleased to see that the restaurant is kid-friendly, as they were happy to provide a plate for me to share with my son.
I also liked their Thai tea, which added to the overall experience.
Old Hickory Bar-B-Que
Old Hickory Bar-B-Que is one of the must-try restaurants when you're craving some good barbecue.
Last week, I went there with my family for a weekend dinner, and, as always, it didn't disappoint.
One of the things I love about this place is their website, which is pretty helpful in checking out their menu ahead of time.
We started our meal with their famous Chopped Mutton Sandwich, which had a tangy vinegar seasoning that gave it an interesting twist.
For our main course, we had their Brisket and Fried Chicken.
The brisket was simply amazing – tender, smoky, and full of flavor without being overly sauced.
The fried chicken, on the other hand, was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
We also tried their Mac and Cheese, which was creamy and satisfying, and their crispy Onion Rings.
The cozy, country-style setting of Old Hickory Bar-B-Que made us feel right at home, and we couldn't have asked for a better dining experience.
Colby's Fine Food & Spirits
As a local, it's always important to have a tried and true favorite restaurant for any occasion.
For me, that place is Colby's Fine Food & Spirits.
This American restaurant offers traditional, diner-style dishes served in a no-frills, family-friendly space.
I remember the first time I dined at Colby's, I was blown away by the crab shrimp mushroom dip - it was so good I didn't even bother taking a picture before devouring it!
I could taste the real crab flavor, and it came with plenty of pita bread slices for dipping.
The salads are also a treat, served with a slice of cheesy bread on the side.
When it comes to entrees, you can't go wrong with the Hawaiin chicken or the pork chops.
Large portions are a guarantee at Colby's, so you'll definitely have leftovers to take home.
On a recent visit, my partner and I both enjoyed our dishes, paired with delicious sides like mashed potatoes and sweet potato fries.
Ritzy's
I must admit I was initially hesitant to give Ritzy's a try, but I'm incredibly glad that I did.
This hamburger restaurant has quickly become one of my favorite spots in town for a delicious meal.
The food is always hot, fresh, and cooked to perfection.
One time, I decided to try their bacon cheeseburger and fries based on a recommendation, and it turned out to be one of the best smash burgers I've ever had.
I can't thank them enough for creating such a welcoming atmosphere and for serving up some seriously tasty burgers.
Shogun of Owensboro
One of my favorite spots in town for a delicious meal is Shogun of Owensboro, a fantastic Japanese restaurant.
I recently went there with my family, and as always, we had a great time!
The food was incredible – we had some of the best sushi in town, including the hillbilly, rainbow roll, and geisha roll.
The steak hibachi was also mouth-watering, and we had so much food that we took home plenty of leftovers.
Just a little tip: if you visit Shogun, explore their hibachi and sushi offerings.
And if you're feeling adventurous, try their Japanese hooch – it was a delightful treat!
Niko's Italian Cuisine
Niko's Italian Cuisine never fails to impress me.
This fantastic restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine with top-notch quality and a great selection of spirits and beer.
What's even better is that the prices are very reasonable, especially for the quality of food and service they offer.
Every time I visit Niko's, I'm always delighted by their amazing service.
And their food is simply divine.
I've tried a variety of dishes like their chicken parmesan, chicken & broccoli tortellini, pizza, and steak, and all of them were incredible.
The salads they serve are fresh and flavorful, and the creamy Italian dressing is to die for.
And let's not forget about their baked goods - they come from Niko's Bakery, so you know they're also top-of-the-line.
Their cheesecake is out of this world, and I often find myself wishing I had ordered an extra slice to take home.
Final Thoughts
Owensboro has a diverse and vibrant food scene that truly offers something for everyone.
From mouthwatering barbecue at Ole South Barbeque and Old Hickory Bar-B-Que to authentic international flavors at Mi Ranchito and Thai Food Owensboro, there is no shortage of delicious options to explore.
I've personally enjoyed countless memorable meals at these establishments, and I'm always excited to discover new favorites.
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