Owensboro has labeled ourselves the Bar-B-Que Capital of the World, and we were even named Fast Food Capital of the World (per capita) in the late ‘80s.
Here is a list of restaurants that Owensboro Living compiled for this special dining edition. Full disclosure though: with new restaurants popping up every day and long-standing restaurants changing locations, a list like this is difficult to maintain. Openings, closings, and relocations are subject to change. That being said, if you notice any updates we need to make on this list, please email [email protected].
Sports Bars
Bar Louie
234 Frederica Street
Upbeat grill chain with American grub, martinis, and microbrews.
Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Restaurant
3189 Fairview Drive
Family sports pub and restaurant. Good food and sports in a friendly atmosphere.
Buffalo Wild Wings
4736 Frederica Street
Lively sports-bar chain dishing up wings and other American pub grub amid lots of large-screen TVs.
Legends Sports Bar & Grill
4431 Springhill Drive, Suite E
Great place to watch the game. They put the “happy” in happy hour!
O’Bryan Bar & Grill
7006 Highway 815
Family sports bar. Live music.
Rocky’s Bar & Grill
819 Crittenden Street
Plate lunches, sandwiches, side items and homemade pies.
Sandbar
1108 W. 9th Street
Bar games and happy hours.
Taylor’s Tavern
2509 W. Parrish Avenue
Bar and grill with live music and outdoor seating.
The Brew Bridge
800 W 2nd St.
Offering custom brews and a full kitchen. There’s plenty of seating on their outdoor patio.
The Pub on Second
116a W 2nd St
Featuring 26 taps, with craft beer from local and regional breweries taking center stage.
Coffee Houses
Dunkin’ Donuts
3011 Frederica Street
Donuts, coffee, teas, sandwiches and pastries.
Overflow Café
3232 Villa Point (54)
Hand crafted gourmet coffee drinks. Located inside Don Moore.
Starbucks
2402 Frederica Street
5151 Frederica Street (inside Target)
2710 Heartland Crossing A (on 54)
Seattle-based coffeehouse chain. Signature coffees and desserts.
The Creme Coffee House
109 E. 2nd Street
Locally-owned, offering a relaxed atmosphere with gourmet coffees, specialty drinks, desserts, soups, and sandwiches.
Asian
Chopsticks
3023 Highland Pointe Dr (54)
Chinese hibachi grill.
Fuji of Japan
4028 Frederica Street
Full hibachi menu plus sushi bar.
Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant
1650 Starlite Drive
Authentic Chinese cuisine.
Mikato Steak and Sushi
3500 Villa Point
Japanese hibachi, Korean BBQ, sushi bar and more.
Juicy Crab
3332 Villa Point Suite#102
In addition to a great variety of crab options,they offer raw sushi, sushi rolls, deep fried rolls, and special rolls.
Mr. Wok Express
3435 Frederica Street
Eat in or take out. Szechuan, Hunan, and Mandarin style cuisines.
New China Buffet
4768 Frederica Street
Largest buffet in town, featuring Szechuan, Hunan and Mandarin cuisines. Dine-in or carryout.
Pan Asian Chinese Food
2656 Frederica Street
Chinese, Japanese, sushi.
Shogun of Owensboro
3415 Frederica Street
2127 E Parrish Avenue
Japanese hibachi and sushi.
Thai Food Owensboro
1401 Carter Road
Authentic and delicious Thai dishes.
Wasabi
636 Southtown Boulevard
238 Kidron Valley, Suite #5
Japanese cuisine, fresh sushi, and a full bar.
Barbecue
Old Hickory
338 Washington Avenue
Locally-owned with dine-in, carryout, drive-thru and gift certificates. Celebrating 100 years of serving slow-cooked mutton, chicken and ribs.
Some things are better left unchanged. For over 100 years, our pitmasters at Old Hickory Bar-B-Q have used the same method of slow-cooking for twenty-two hours over hickory wood to infuse that familiar smokey flavor we are known for. We use the same recipes, the same sauce, the same dip, and the same attention to detail to produce quality, traditional barbecue that has become an Owensboro tradition six generations strong. Come dine-in or carry-out and you’ll see why Old Hickory consistently wins the “Reader’s Choice Award” and “Best of Owensboro Living” for best barbecue. Mutton, pork, chicken, ribs, beef or custom cooking, we do it all.
Dee’s BBQ & Diner
1362 E. 4th Street
Locally-owned diner offering plate specials and barbecue. Buffet on Fridays and Saturdays.
Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
2840 W. Parrish Avenue
Locally-owned with a world-famous buffet with homemade sides, burgoo, and desserts, plus a full salad bar. Dine-in or carryout.
Ole South Bar-B-Q
3523 Highway 54
Serving great barbecue with a lunch and dinner buffet, and Owensboro’s best breakfast.
Greek
Famous Bistro
102 W. 2nd Street
Locally-owned, serving lunch and dinner, everything from sandwiches to fine dining with a Mediterranean emphasis on Greek cuisine.
Italian
Fazoli’s Italian Restaurant
5060 Frederica Street
Reasonable prices, food quality traditionally associated with casual dining and quick service; they’ve got something for everyone!
Niko’s Italian Cuisine
2200 E. Parrish Avenue
Fine dining, wine and spirits with an emphasis on Italian cuisine. Locally-owned.
Olive Garden
5204 Frederica Street
Casual Italian dining featuring authentic entrees, soups, desserts, wines and more.
Mexican
Don Mario’s
122 W 2nd St.
Serving up your favorite Mexican dishes downtown—with plenty of outdoor seating.
El Bracero
2945 Wimsatt Court
Authentic Mexican restaurant.
El Toribio
3034 E 4th Streed
Locally-owned. Authentic Mexican cuisine with daily lunch and Happy Hour specials. Mexican and American beers.
El Tucan Mexican Restaurant
1007 Tamarack Road, Unit 2 & 3
Locally-owned restaurant specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine.
Ernesto’s
611 Emory Drive
Wesleyan Park Plaza’s newest restaurant offers tasty authentic Mexican dishes.
Los Nopales
3600 Frederica Street
Great food, service and street tacos.
La Veracruzana
2229 New Hartford Road
Authentic Mexican restaurant that also offers a gift shop.
Mi Ranchito
1146 Carter Road
Locally owned, authentic Mexican cuisine.
Mi Ranchito Taqueria
2601 W Parrish Avenue
Fast casual version of Mi Ranchito
Moe’s Southwest Grill
2065 E Parrish Ave.
Counter-serve chain dishing up Southwestern staples from burritos to nachos in a lively environment.
Papa Grande
544 Southtown Boulevard
3830 Hwy 54, Unit 203
Locally owned restaurant specializing in authentic mexican cuisine, drink special, and guacamole made right at your table!
Real Hacienda
4820 Frederica Street // 3023 Highland Pointe Drive (54)
Authentic Mexican cuisine, serving real south-of-the-border dishes with great atmosphere and fair prices.
Armando Ortiz, owner of Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, certainly knows a thing or two about the restaurant business. Among Armando and his siblings, the Ortiz family runs 43 restaurants, with locations in Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Since 1995, when he came to Owensboro from Mexico, Armando has consistently given our city a true taste of his home country’s culinary culture. With two restaurants on Frederica and Highway 54, the locally-famous eatery has become one of Owensboro’s favorites. Loyal customers keep coming back for dishes like burritos, arroz con pollo, and Armando’s famous queso for nachos. In addition to the delicious offerings at their brick and mortar locations, Real Hacienda also operates a food truck, which can be found all around town. So if you’re in the mood for a mouthwatering Mexican meal, Real Hacienda is never far away.
Salsaritas
3500 Villa Point (54)
Casual restaurant serving fresh Mexican foods, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos and salads.
Delis
Colby’s Deli & Cafe
401 Frederica Street
Locally-owned, offering great breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, cookies and ice cream.
Chicken Salad Chick
2596 Calumet Trace
Serving Southern-style chicken salad in 12 flavors made by hand daily.
Gene’s Health Food, Inc.
1738 Sweeney Street
Locally owned, deli in store with sandwiches, organic salads, juice, smoothies and more.
Great Harvest Bread Co. & Cafe
3211 Frederica Street // 4431 Springhill Drive (54)
Locally-owned, serving fresh-made breads, muffins, scones, coffees and teas, signature sandwiches, soups-of-the-day, and salads.
Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream
2120 W. Parrish Avenue
Old-fashioned hand-dipped ice cream and deli sandwiches, cakes, cookies, and chili.
McAlister’s Deli
2065 E Parrish Avenue Ste 500
Sandwiches, salads, soups, spuds and a heaping spoonful of southern hospitality.
Niko’s Bakery & Cafe
601 Emery Drive
Locally owned, European style bakery. Breads, croissants, macaroons, pastries, and desserts.
Panera Bread
4600 Frederica Street
Bakery offers freshly-baked breads, bagels, baked egg souffles, pastries and sweets. Café offers sandwiches, soups, hand-tossed salads.
Trunnell’s Farm Market & Gourmet Deli
4399 Springhill Drive, Suite A
Great sandwiches, fresh produce, and other Kentucky Proud products.
Diners, Cafes, & Family Restaurants
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar
5120 Frederica Street
American classics, also offering a Weight Watchers Menu. Separate bar area.
Bar Louie
234 Frederica Street
Upbeat grill chain with American grub, martinis and microbrews, plus happy-hour deals.
Beef O’Brady’s
3189 Fairview Drive
Family sports pub and restaurant to enjoy good food and sports in a friendly atmosphere.
Big Dipper
2820 W. Parrish Avenue
Opened in April 1954, the Dipper offers real old-fashioned drive-in burgers, fries, shakes, and ice cream treats.
Burger Theory
701 W. 1st St.
Located in Holiday Inn Downtown.
SFG Artisan Cafe
501 W. 2nd Street
Inside Owensboro Convention Center.
Cheddar’s Casual Cafe
3040 Highland Pointe Drive
Family dining at affordable prices.
City Walk of Owensboro
222 Allen Street
Great spot downtown for a casual lunch or dinner with friends.
Colby’s Deli & Café
401 Frederica Street #101B
Locally-owned, offering great breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, cookies and ice cream.
Country Ham Restaurant
5421 US Highway 60 W.
Great country-style cooking.
Cracker Barrel
5311 Frederica Street
Homestyle cooking, down-home service. Sit and rock a spell on the front porch in a comfy wooden rocker. Or browse the country store.
Dee’s BBQ & Diner
1362 E. 4th Street
Locally-owned diner offering plate specials and barbecue. Buffet on Fridays and Saturdays.
Del’s Place (Stanley)
7478 US Highway 60 W.
Comfort food in a cozy atmosphere.
Deloris’ Cafe
2123 Triplett Street
Down-home-friendly diner where you can feel at home with a home-cooked meal.
Denny’s Restaurant
4545 Frederica Street
Breakfast served 24 hours a day. Full menu also offered.
Dinner Bell Restaurant
6057 Highway 2830
Diner meals and plate specials.
Firehouse Subs
5150 Frederica Street
Made-to-order hot and cold subs, plus a variety of hot sauces.
Gary’s Drive In
2220 Veach Road
Burgers, homemade soups, ice cream and specialty items such as salmon, turkey and veggie burgers.
Grandy’s
5000 Frederica Street
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served. Dine in, carryout, or drive-thru. Chicken, country-fried steak, and cinnamon rolls.
Hannah Bell’s Cafe
1324 Carter Road
Serving homestyle favorites for breakfast and lunch.
Hayden’s Drive-In
9209 Highway 56
Burgers, sandwiches and sides.
Huddle House
3248 Mt Moriah Suite C (54)
Casual chain offering all-day breakfast, plus other hearty American eats in diner-like digs.
IHOP
3080 Highland Pointe Dr.
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
IDK Family Restaurant
3123 Highway 54
Home cooked food just like grandma use to make in an all you can eat buffet!
Jimmy John’s
2300 Frederica Street
Freaky fast sandwiches.
Longhorn Steakhouse
2974 Heartland Crossing
Casual steakhouse chain known for grilled beef and other American dishes in a ranch-style space.
Madewell’s Corner Cafe
924 E. 2nd Street
Home-cooked diner meals.
Mendy’s Kitchen
924 Crabtree Avenue
Burgers, sandwiches, sides and ice cream treats.
Norman McDonald’s Country Restaurant
6161 Highway 54
Burgers and sides, take out only.
O’Charley’s Restaurant & Lounge
5205 Frederica Street
Steaks, seafood, chicken, homemade yeast rolls, with a variety of fresh-cut salads.
Penn Station
3525 Frederica Street
3023 Highland Pointe (54)
Made-to-order East Coast grilled sandwiches and sides.
Red Lobster
3410 Frederica Street
Family restaurant specializing in seafood dishes. Serving for lunch and dinner, a full menu of appetizers, salads, soups, entrees and desserts.
Shoney’s
4710 Frederica Street
Family-oriented chain serving an all-American diner-style menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Texas Roadhouse
943 Moseley Road
Fresh-cut steaks, made-from-scratch side dishes, fall-off-the-bone ribs, fresh-baked breads and lively atmosphere. Happy hour specials.
Windy Hollow Restaurant
8260 Highway 81
Open Sundays 7a.m. to 1:30 p.m., brunch buffet featuring country ham, fried chicken, red eye gravy and biscuits, fried potatoes, and their famous homemade doughnuts.
Wonder Whip
2434 E 4th St
An Owensboro classic. Locally owned old-fashioned drive-in offering burgers, sides and frozen treats.
Fine Dining/Upscale Casual
Bill’s Restaurant
420 Frederica Street
Seasonal New American cuisine. Menus offering appetizers, entrees and desserts.
Briarpatch
2760 Veach Road
Owensboro’s finest locally-owned steakhouse since 1971. Large soup and salad bar, with full bar service and fine wines.
Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits
202 W. 3rd Street
Local, pleasantly casual and intimate, featuring American fare in a family friendly space.
Drake’s
3050 Highland Pointe Dr.
Great spot for food, drinks and sushi.
Famous Bistro
102 W. 2nd Street
Locally-owned, serving lunch and dinner, everything from sandwiches to fine dining with a Mediterranean emphasis on Greek cuisine.
Lure Seafood & Grille
401 W. 2nd Street
Fresh seafood and more prepared with great expertise and precision with a green conscience.
Niko’s Italian Cuisine
2200 E. Parrish Avenue
Fine dining, wine and spirits with an emphasis on Italian cuisine. Locally-owned.
The Miller House
301 E. 5th Street
Dine on three levels of a beautifully restored downtown home. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch with full-service conversation bar.
The Pearl Club Grille
6501 Summit Drive
Appetizers, entrees, burgers and wraps.
Pizzerias
54 Pizza Express
1700 Starlite Drive (Off Parrish)
3101 Alvey Park Drive (54)
Locally owned pizzas, sandwiches and salads.
Azzip Pizza
3800 Frederica Street
Evansville-based chain, highly customized pizzas baked in a conveyor belt oven in front of customers.
Cadillac Restaurant & Grecian Pizza
1315 W. 2nd Street
Diner meals, pizza and plate specials.
Donato’s Pizza
2601 W Parrish Avenue
Crispy pizzas and oven-baked subs.
Domino’s
3333 Frederica Street
1003 Burlew Boulevard
Pizza, pasta, chicken and more.
Fetta Specialty Pizza
118 St. Ann Street
Italian for “slice,” Fetta serves delicious specialty pizza hand tossed right before your eyes!
JJ’s Pizza
5615 KY-144
Community pizza shop in Thurston area.
Little Caesars Pizza
3429 Frederica Street
1650 Starlite Drive
Carryout only pizza chain.
Mellow Mushroom
101 W. 2nd Street
Delicious food in a fun and creative environment.
MOD Pizza
2710 Heartland Crossing, Ste C
Counter-serve chain featuring build-your-own pizza.
Papa John’s Pizza
2510 Frederica Street
3332 Villa Point (54)
Pizza, wings, and breadsticks. Delivery or carryout.
Papa Murphy’s
3211 Frederica Street, Suite 1
Take and bake pizza.
PeezO’s
2100 W. 2nd St.
New pizzeria offering handmade pies and sandwiches.
Pizza By The Guy
3115 Commonwealth Court (54)
Seven secret herbs and spices. Pizza, wings, sandwiches, and pasta.
Pizza Hut
4127 Frederica Street
1331 Frederica Street (take out only)
3189 Fairview Drive (54)
5151 Frederica Street (Inside Target)
Family-friendly chain.
Y-Not Pizza & Wings
2710 E. 4th St.
Great local spot for pizza and wings.
Smoothie & Juice Bars
Wheatgrass Juice Bar
3500 Villa Point, Suite 102
Raw juice, salads, smoothies, juice cleanses, vegan food, wheatgrass shots.
Gene’s Health Food, Inc.
1738 Sweeney Street
Deli with sandwiches, organic salads, juice, smoothies and more.
Fast Food
Arby’s
2960 W. Parrish Avenue
3401 Villa Pointe Drive (54)
4614 Frederica Street
Large variety of sandwiches and sides. We have the meats!
Burger King
2401 Patriot Run (54)
1738 Triplett Street
2944 W. Parrish Avenue
Clean restaurant, friendly employees, fast service. Drive-thru open 24 hours.
Chick-Fil-A
4601 Frederica Street
Chicken sandwiches, salads, shakes and sides.
Culver’s Frozen Custard & Butterburgers
3020 Highland Pointe Drive
Frozen custard treats, burgers, salads, kids’ meals, chicken to go.
Dairy Queen
1715 Frederica Street
3022 E. 4th Street
3224 New Hartford Road
Soft-serve ice cream treats, cakes, brazier food and beverages.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
3248 Mount Moriah Avenue (54)
Made-to-order burgers, fries and hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
4641 Frederica Street
Retro-style chain for steakburgers, hot dogs & other fast-food staples, plus frozen custard.
Hardee’s
2705 W. Parrish Avenue
3101 Frederica Street
Burgers, ham, chicken, roast beef sandwiches, and sides.
Kentucky Fried Chicken
3212 Highway 54
Chicken dinners, snacks, and sides for dine in or carryout.
Lee’s Famous Recipe
1800 Carter Road
1001 Burlew Boulevard
Chicken dinners for one or for a family. Dine in, carryout, or drive-thru.
Long John Silver’s
2519 W. Parrish Avenue
2770 Frederica Street (Wesleyan)
3005 E. 4th Street
Fast seafood, fish and chicken. Dine in, carryout, or drive-thru.
McDonald’s
3328 Highway 54
324 Wesleyan Plaza
2306 E. 4th Street
2730 W. Parrish Avenue
4800 Frederica Street
American fast food.
Popeye’s Chicken
2906 Highland Pointe (54)
“New Orleans-style” menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp and other seafood.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
2990 Heartland Crossing (54)
Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.
Rally’s
1301 Frederica Street
Burgers, sandwiches and sides, fresh and hot.
Ritzy’s
4527 Highway 54
4925 Frederica Street
Burgers, fries, and ice cream.
Sonic Drive-In
3107 Frederica Street
Old-time drive-in offering burgers, sandwiches, sides, and frozen treats.
Subway
2425 W. Parrish Avenue
3119 Frederica Street
3124 Highway 54
3739 E. 4th Street
636 Southtown Boulevard
3470 New Hartford Road
3151 Highway 54 (inside Walmart)
Fresh subs.
Taco Bell
3335 Villa Point (54)
4620 Frederica Street
2500 W. Parrish Avenue
Mexican-inspired fast food.
Wendy’s
2934 Highway 54
4545 Frederica Street
Fresh, never frozen beef hamburgers.
Zaxby’s
5030 Frederica Street
Zaxby’s offers a variety of chicken and wings.
Ice Cream & Sweets
Andria’s Candies
217 Allen Street
Andria’s Candies has a tradition of making fine chocolates and candies that traces back to Greek candy-makers coming to U.S. in 1906.
Baskin Robbins
3245 Mt Moriah Avenue, #1 (54)
Colorful ice cream parlor chain known for its many flavors plus sorbet and yogurt.
Cold Stone Creamery
5140 Frederica Street
112 Allen Street (Downtown. Spring and Summer)
Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab.
Cup Cakery
231 Williamsburg Square
Custom cakes, gourmet cupcakes, cookies, and lunch options.
Dairy Queen
1715 Frederica Street
3022 E. 4th Street
3224 New Hartford Road
Soft-serve ice cream treats, cakes, brazier food and beverages.
The Family Bakery
3152 Commonwealth Court (54)
Donuts, cakes, cupcakes, and more.
Dunkin’ Donuts
3011 Frederica Street
Donuts, coffee, teas, sandwiches and pastries.
Great American Cookie Company
5000 Frederica Street
Located inside Towne Square Mall. Cookies ready-made or made-to-order, large or small.
Koehler’s Bakery
1801 Carter Road
Full line retail bakery offering donuts, pies, cakes, cookies, and breads.
Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream
2120 W. Parrish Avenue
Old-fashioned hand-dipped ice cream and deli sandwiches, cakes, cookies, and chili.
Maggie’s Cakes & More
4399 Springhill Drive, Suite B (54)
Specialty cakes, gourmet cupcakes, and wedding cakes.
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
4431 Springhill Drive (54)
Frozen yogurt, specially selected toppings.
Rolling Pin Pastry Shop
1129 E 18th Street
20 kinds of donuts, plus pies and pastries.
