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Owensboro, Kentucky

We cover beautiful Owensboro, Kentucky on the following pages. Since this is our hometown, we are, without a doubt, the best source online for Owensboro restaurant reviews, Owensboro events, attractions, and pictures.

Bee Bops for Burgers and Daily Specials: We’ve Got it Good in Owensboro Kentucky!

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Bee Bops in Owensboro Kentucky- Daily Special, the Manhatan!The Manhatan at Bee Bops in Owensboro, how delicious does that look?!?!

My husband and I ate lunch at Bee Bops in downtown Owensboro this afternoon. Delicious, delicious, delicious! He had the Daily Special, which today was the “Manhattan” (Texas Toast with Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy – shown in all of its beauty above) and green beans. He ate it inside of three minutes, yet your’s truly still had the gall to ask, “So. How was it?”

You guessed it, outstanding.

As great as today’s daily special sounded, I HAD to try their Bopper Burger and Onion Rings. I was tempted by their crinkle cut french fries, but you know me and my onion ring obsession. My rule: If onion rings are on the menu, order onion rings. If they’re not on the menu, demand an explanation. So, yeah, I’ve eaten onion rings all over God’s green earth – and I’ve never had any that were any better than the ones in Bee Bops 50’s Diner.

They were excellent. My burger was, too, as a matter of fact. Just thinking about the burger and onion rings right now makes me wish I could go back in time and do it all over again. I know my husband would jump right in the time machine with me.

Although the past might not be THE place to be. After all, tomorrow’s special at Bee Bops is Shrimp Burgers. Oh, man….

If you haven’t been to Bee Bops yet, what in the world are you waiting for. The workers are uncommonly friendly, the food is delicious, the prices are great, the 50’s music and decor is adorable, and the entire experience is a lot of fun.

Bee Bops in Owensboro, Hamburger and Onion Rings

Bee Bops Hamburger and Onion Rings – I’ve never had better onion rings.

Old Hickory BBQ in Owensboro Kentucky: Outstanding Every Time

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Old Hickory Chopped Pork Sandwich and Potato Salad

I had lunch yesterday with my youngest daughter (Stephany) and future son-in-law (Rusty) at Old Hickory here in Owensboro. It’s one of our favorite places to eat – lunch or supper. The food is just outstanding. Truth be told, simply sitting in the parking lot with your nose pointed upward is a other-worldy experience. The experience only gets better when you go through the doors.

They’ve recently added mashed potatoes and gravy to the menu and I wanted to hug them for it. Stephany ordered this as one of her sides, along with macaroni and cheese. Rusty went with the macaroni and cheese and green beans, which I’m pretty sure he could eat his weight in. He ordered the “Combination” Plate which came with his choice of 3 meats, in addition to two sides. One of his meats was ham because, this is something you really need to know, Old Hickory has THE best ham in the world. True story.

He also had ribs which looked amazing. I can’t remember what the third meat was because I was busy enjoying my own meal. (Although I did eye that ham!)

Stephany and I almost every single time order chicken, ham, or chopped Bar-B-Q pork. They’re just EACH so outstanding, ordering something else seems silly. However, curiosity got the better of us and we BOTH ordered a catfish plate.

Seriously? We entered one of the best Bar-B-Q restaurants in Kentucky and we ordered catfish? How strange for mother and daughter to both lose their minds at once. The catfish wasn’t bad, by any means, but if I’m going to be honest, it doesn’t at all compare to every other meat on Old Hickory’s menu. Again, it’s not bad (it’s actually crunchy and flavorful), it just simply gets overshadowed by the world’s best ham, chicken so good you want to weep, and pork bar-b-q that makes you wish you had 2 mouths so you can enjoy it twice as much.

If you read very many of my Kentucky Restaurant Reviews on Genuine Kentucky, you know how I feel about sides. I hate (with a cruel and unusual hatred) for a restaurant to focus solely on it’s meat items. It’s as though they say, “We have great steaks, what does it matter if our baked beans taste like microwaved pork ‘n beans?!”

It matters, buddy, it matters.

Old Hickory obviously doesn’t rest on the laurels of it’s spectacular meats, their sides are so remarkable that you actually have to sit and think before choosing, With most restaurants, you order the same sides each time because they’re the only two worth ordering! Old Hickory plays a different game with their sides – every single one of them is mind numbing-ly delicious. It causes a real dilemma, to tell you the truth.

  • Potato Salad – Excellent
  • Cole Slaw – Excellent
  • Bar-B-Q Beans – Excellent
  • French Fries – Excellent
  • Onion Rings – Excellent
  • Green Beans – excellent

And now they’ve gone and added mashed potatoes and gravy that are also Excellent.

Another pet peeve is when restaurants overcook their fries or home potato chips. Someone needs to tell them that food continues to cook when it’s removed from the oil – so if you allow it to become a little dark in the oil, it’ll be positively brown when it makes it to the plate.  This never, ever happens at a couple of restaurants and Old Hickory is one. Perfect fries and/or onion rings each and every time.

The Bar-B-Q Plates each come with pickle, onion, bread (our catfish came with wonderful fried cornbread!), the meat(s), and two sides.  The meats include mutton, pork, beef, ribs, mutton ribs, chicken, chix strips, turkey, ham (did I mention that it was the best in the world?), and catfish.

Sandwiches include: Sliced mutton, chopped mutton, sliced pork, chopped pork, sliced beef, sliced turkey, sliced ham, sliced ham and cheese, chicken, hamburger, cheeseburger, grilled cheese, and catfish.  They also serve chili (but it’s seasonal), burgoo, and bean soup (with cornbread).

If you have room for dessert after all of the excellent food, you can choose between various fruit cobblers (blackberry, apple, cherry) or pecan pie.  Order your dessert “A la mode” for just a little more.

Old Hickory gets extra bonus “Genuine Kentucky” points for serving Coke products.  Oddly enough, that’s one of the first things I notice about a menu!

Just to give you an idea of how much our family LOVES Old Hickory, we don’t just frequently eat there for lunch or supper, we gave them the ultimate compliment in October of 2010.  Our oldest daughter (Emily) and my now son-in-law (Dill) were planning their wedding.  We all looked at the many different choices for catering and unanimously chose Old Hickory.  One of the most important dates in our family’s history and we invited Old Hickory to the celebration.

Everyone loved the food and asked where it was from… as well as how to get to the restaurant.  And they hadn’t even tried the ham!!!

Old Hickory is on 228 Washington Avenue in Owensboro Kentucky – Off of Frederica.  There’s a large parking lot, with parking on either side of the restaurant.  Use the map below for directions – I don’t want you to miss out on this outstanding food.

It’s the flavor of Owensboro, and it’s really something to enjoy.


View Larger Map
Visit Old Hickory on Facebook.

Where to Eat in Owensboro, Kentucky

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Wasabi Express in Owensboro
We’re famous (oftentimes, it seems the world over) for the pride of Owensboro, Kentucky – Moonlite Barbecue. And for good reason! Moonlite does barbecue as well as barbecue can be done. The sides are extraordinary, too. I don’t think I could possibly love the potato salad any more than I do.

However, there are A LOT of wonderful places to eat in Owensboro, Kentucky that are just as good as Moonlite Barbecue. In fact, we have several barbecue restaurants that’ll lead to many licked fingers and very happy faces. Below is a list of the best places to eat in Owensboro, Kentucky. I’ve linked each to the appropriate website so you can check out the menu, the hours of operation, and (of course) the directions.

Naturally, we also have plenty of McDonald’s restaurants, Burger Kings, Wendy’s, Dairy Queens, Taco Bells, Waffle Houses, and KFC’s. Check each restaurant’s website for the locations of each in Owensboro. A few words of advice from a local: The best KFC is the one on Frederica (it’s excellent) and the best Taco Bell is on Parrish (always clean and neat as a pin). Each of our Wendy’s, Waffle Houses, Ritzy’s, Dairy Queens, McDonald’s, and Burger Kings are great.

For a more detailed list of Owensboro Restaurants and Restaurant Reviews, click the link.

Applebee’s – One of the best Applebee’s anywhere. Trust me, we’ve eaten at just about all of them.
5120 Frederica
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-3472

O’Charley’s – Delicious steak and unbelievable rolls.
5205 Frederica Street
Owensboro , KY 42301
(270) 686-8780

Chick Fil A
4000 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 975-4565

Texas Roadhouse
943 Mosely Rd
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 689-0086

Old Hickory BBQ – Delicious barbecue! The barbecued ham is something I’ve fallen in love with, too – but I can’t “pull” myself away from their pulled pork very often. Really, really, good!
338 Washington Avenue
Owensboro, KY 42301-5450
(270) 926-9000

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn – Famous for a reason. You can taste the excellence and it’s outstanding!
2840 West Parrish Avenue
Owensboro, KY 42301
1-800-322-8989

Beef O’ Brady’s – Our oldest daughter Emily’s favorite place in town. Very warm and friendly servers and outstanding food.
3189 Fairview Dr
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-4969

Bee Bops – Fun 50’s Diner (Downtown)
122A West 2nd Street
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 663-0623

Bob Evans – Fantastic meals with the home-cooked flavor that Bob Evans is famous for.
3123 Hwy-54
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 683-3515

Big Dipper – A “throwback” drive in/drive thru with the best hot dog in all of Kentucky… possibly the world. The burgers and BLT are also out of this world.
2820 W Parrish Ave
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-4806

Buffalo Wild Wings – As locals, we just call it B-Dubs and we’re all completely obsessed with the killer wings and onion rings.
4736 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 686-7800

Culvers Butter Burgers and Frozen Custards
3020 Highland Pointe Drive
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 689-4040

Red Lobster – As good as it gets. The cheese bread, alone, is worth the trip.
3410 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-4044

Denny’s
4545 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-5488

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
5311 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-4118

Panera Bread – Everything on the menu is outstanding and you wouldn’t believe how addicted I am to the iced green tea. Amazing!
4600 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301-7496
(270) 683-9033

Famous Bistro – Downtown restaurant that everyone loves to distraction. Big city taste – without the big city traffic or headaches!
102 W 2nd St
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 686-8202

Fazoli’s
5116 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-8767

Five Guys Burger and Fries
2660 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-7888

Fuji of Japan
4028 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 685-0046

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
1800 Carter Rd
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 683-0584

T.G.I. Friday’s – One of the best T.G.I. Friday’s in the state. They have some of the friendliest, most colorful servers you’ll ever have the fortune of meeting. And if you’ve never tried the Crispy Green Bean Fries (appetizer), you don’t know what you’re missing. Great, now I’ve given myself an intense craving…
5135 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301-7443
(270) 686-1910

Olive Garden – Gorgeous restaurant with excellent food and one of the best staffs in town.
5204 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 683-4848

Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant – You can read what I really think of this restaurant by clicking the link!
3500 Villa Pt
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-9913

Pangea Cafe and Catering – The Asian Vegetable Wrap is a very close friend of mine. It has to be tasted to be believed – I honestly don’t think mere words could do it justice. Pangea Cafe is one in a million and you’ll love everything about it.
1320 CARTER RD.
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 689-9824

Tokyo – Excellent Japanese food without the typical prices. We eat at Tokyo’s regularly and love it. We think of it as Japanese fast food.
3415 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-1020

Ole South Barbeque – Outstanding barbecue! The baked beans are also exceptional. I live in Owensboro and eat barbecue at Ole South Barbecue more than anyplace else.
3523 Hwy 54 E (across from Kohl’s)
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 926-6464

Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant (Click the link for my review of Owensboro’s Real Hacienda Restaurants)
636 Southtown Blvd
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-5950

Shogun of Japan Steakhouse
5010 Wildcat Way
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-9980

Hong Kong – My husband and I get “take out” from Hong Kong at least once a week. You can also eat in, which we occasionally. Outstanding food and plenty of it. The fried rice, Shrimp Lo Mein, Won Tons, and House Special Soup are a few favorites.
1650 Starlite Dr
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 852-7777

Pizza Hut
4127 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-0040

Sonic Drive-In
3107 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 688-5999

Starbucks in Owensboro

We have 2 Starbucks in Owensboro and I more than do my part to keep them both in business. Our main Starbucks is located at 5151 Frederica St. We also have a Starbucks in our beautiful Target on Frederica.

Panther Creek Park in Owensboro, Kentucky

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Panther Creek Park in Owensboro, Kentucky
Panther Creek Park, which offers 30 acres of wooded wetlands, is one of many cool places to spend a day in Owensboro, Kentucky. The pictures, below, were taken by a few of my favorite people in the world – my daughter Emily and her boyfriend Dill. It was a cool spring day when they last visited the park – judging from the look on Dill’s face, it may have been a little too cool for him (the boy hates cold weather about as much as I hate decaf).

Click each thumbnail for the larger image.

Thanks Em and Dill!

Panther Creek Park is located at 5160 Wayne Bridge Road, Owensboro Kentucky.  Click HERE for directions.

Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurants in Owensoro Kentucky: Outstanding Every Single Time

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Real Hacienda Owensboro (on Frederica)

One of my favorite Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Kentucky is Real Hacienda in Owensboro, Kentucky. Lucky for me, we actually have two locations and they’re both extraordinary.

My daughters Brittany and Stephany and I simply can’t get enough when it comes to Mexican food – so the workers at the Real Hacienda’s know us on sight.  They’re always extra friendly and love to cut up with their regular customers. Their friendliness adds to the entire experience.  They’re always happy, having fun, and treat you like a welcomed guest.

As for the food, can you say, “Heavenly“?!  When we go for lunch, I alternate between Grilled Chicken tacos (hard shell and soft shell are both delicious),  Bean Burritos, cheese enchiladas, and Chalupas.  They’re always fantastic and I always get a side of rice or refried beans with my meal. The refried beans are fantastic – unlike anything you can ever achieve at home – and the rice is some of the best rice I’ve ever had in the world. Holy cats is it ever good!

We often get a side of Pico de Gallo and/or guacamole as well and a bowl of cheese dip to share is a must. Their cheese dip is so fantastic, you’ll want to bathe in it. It’s the best cheese dip in Kentucky – heck, maybe even the world.

For supper, I have a complete, unapologetic fixation on Pollo Loco – so I don’t venture too far from that.  The chicken is always perfect and is served with the fantastic rice and a guacamole salad. There are tons of options to choose from for lunch and/or supper. Believe me, you’ll have a tough time choosing from all the delicious options.

As if perfect food and friendly workers weren’t enough, the prices are completely reasonable AND the decor is so beautiful, you won’t be able to quit looking around.

Oh! Did I mention the Fried Ice Cream?! No??? Probably because I want to keep it all to myself.

Real Hacienda’s Owensboro Locations:

  • 3023 Highland Pointe Dr (Off of Highway 54 – near Logan’s, Wendy’s, and Culver’s)
  • 4820 Frederica St (In the old Johnny B’s Pizza location)

See more pictures of the Real Hacienda on Frederica.

Read another Real Hacienda Review on Genuine Kentucky!

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