• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Genuine Kentucky

Kentucky Pictures, Events, Restaurants

  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
      • Advertise
    • Facts About Kentucky
      • Kentucky Geography 101: Where is Kentucky?!
      • Kentucky’s Lakes (Listed Alphabetically)
    • Famous Kentuckians
    • Kentucky Birds
      • Joys of Bird Watching
      • Bird Watching: Keeping a Journal
      • Backyard Birds Love Water!
      • Create a Backyard Bird Watching Haven
      • How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
    • Kentucky Food
    • Kentucky History
    • Sitemap
  • Pictures
  • Restaurants
    • Best Catfish Restaurants
    • Best Pizza in Ky
    • Best BBQ in Ky
    • Bowling Green Restaurants
    • Gluten Free in Kentucky
    • Kentucky Lake Restaurants
    • Off the Beaten Path
    • Owensboro, Gluten Free
    • Owensboro Restaurants
    • Where to Eat Lunch in Owensboro
  • KY State Parks
    • Carter Caves State Resort Park
    • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
    • Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    • Kenlake State Resort Park
    • Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
    • Lake Barkley State Resort Park
    • Rough River Dam State Resort Park
    • Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
    • Pine Mountain State Resort Park
    • John James Audubon State Park
    • Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
    • More Kentucky State Parks
  • Things to Do
    • Grand Rivers Variety
    • Kentucky State Parks
    • Kentucky Lake
      • Kentucky Lake Pictures
    • Land Between the Lakes
      • Elk & Bison Prairie
      • Golden Pond Planetarium
      • The Homeplace
      • The Nature Station
      • LBL Pictures
        • Elk and Bison Prairie Pictures
    • Windy Hollow Campground and Speedway
    • Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
    • Smothers Park and Owensboro’s Riverfront
    • The Hitching Post
  • Events
You are here: Home / Archives for Restaurant Reviews / Best Catfish

Review: The Feed Mill in Morganfield, Kentucky

February 7, 2017 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

The Feed Mill Fried Chicken, Coleslaw, and Green Beans
My last Feed Mill Review on Genuine Kentucky was way back in 2013. Mind you, I never fell out of love with this one-of-a-kind, off the beaten path restaurant. It became one of my favorite Kentucky restaurants on my very first visit and it never fell from grace. Although I haven’t been able to enjoy their fried catfish for years, now, I do recall that it’s in a league of its own.

Not only is the food exceptionally delicious, I love the entire atmosphere – the decorations, the ambiance, the… well… vibe. It’s always Mardi Gras at the Feed Mill, as far as the directions go, and it’s just a really fun place to enjoy a meal.

So why so long between visits and reviews?

A few years ago, for health reasons, I had to completely give up gluten and wheat. That meant giving up many things I loved, including two particular things that were great sources of joy to me – the Feed Mill’s fried catfish AND their fried onion rings. You will not find better fried catfish or onion rings in the world – this, I promise you.

When my body and health kind of turned on me, my husband and I quite frankly stopped going.  Like many non-chain restaurants, The Feed Mill does not have a gluten-free menu or nutritional information on their website. Most independently-owned and/or smaller restaurants don’t have these sources, so it’s completely expected. I would imagine that the procedures for each are time-consuming, confusing, and expensive, so I do not (in any way) fault restaurants for this – I actually expect it.

The Feed Mill Morganfield, KY
If you have to eat gluten-free for health reasons, I would (ironically) advise you to stick with restaurants that do have gluten-free menus and/or information on their website. I say “ironically” because I don’t follow my own advice! That’s just so me, you know?  But, in my defense, I have gotten incredibly good at knowing what foods are safe and what ones may pose problems. If I’m ever even slightly suspicious of a food, I avoid it like I would a two-headed man in a dark alley.

Or woman – I do not discriminate with monsters.

Having said that, I list (at the bottom) my own guidelines for eating at restaurants without gluten-free menus.

Onto the deliciousness that is the Feed Mill Restaurant!

The Feed Mill Salad with French Dressing
Last time we were at the Feed Mill, I remember thinking that their tossed salad was really pretty “average.” Not great, not bad. Average. Which was really completely unexpected because absolutely nothing else in the restaurant is!

When my husband and I went a few nights ago, I was pretty darn hungry when we got there. Since they make everything fresh, I knew my wait would be at least 20 minutes, so I decided to order a salad to hold me over. You may not know this about me, but I’m a salad fanatic – I’m absolutely obsessed with them. When I saw the beauty above approaching my table, I couldn’t believe it. The restaurant has upped their salad game and it’s a beautiful thing… and delicious, too!

The French dressing (my favorite dressing) is perfection, too.

The Feed Mill Citrus Peppercorn Tilapia, Coleslaw, and Baked Potato
Since fried anything is off my list, for one of the only times in countless visits, I had to order something besides their PERFECT fried catfish. I narrowed it down to grilled chicken, hamburger off the bun, or grilled Citrus Peppercorn Tilapia. I love fish more than the fattest penguin in Antarctica, so I went with tilapia. Later, the server (who was incredibly sweet and friendly) told me that you can also order their catfish “grilled.”

I assured her I would do that the next visit – and I’m really excited to try it.

The tilapia was out of this world. It’s not usually even a fish I get that excited about but the citrus and pepper were extraordinary. It was as delicious as it was pretty, and that’s saying something.

Since coleslaw and baked potatoes are almost always completely gluten-free, I ordered them for my sides. Perfect potato and… well, as for the coleslaw… I said it best in a previous review – it’s why coleslaw was ever invented in the first place.

In my opinion, it’s the best coleslaw you can get in any restaurant. It is phenomenal and worth the visit, itself.

The Feed Mill Fried Chicken, Coleslaw, and Green Beans
 

My husband, who (obviously from the picture above!) has no issue with gluten or wheat ordered the fried chicken, green beans, and coleslaw (he’d read my review) and thoroughly enjoyed the amazing roll that comes with each meal.

It tugged at the old heart to ask for bread to be left off of my plate, but the deliciousness of everything else more than made up for it.

It has always boggled my mind how one of the consistently best restaurants in the entire state of Kentucky (or any other state I’ve been in, for that matter) is in little Morganfield but I no longer spend time questioning it, I simply enjoy it. Every delicious bite.

I also love the staff at the Feed Mill. Our server on this particular visit was just the sweetest and she was very knowledgeable about the menu and the way the food was prepared. She didn’t seem to mind whatsoever when I asked her a few questions and honestly couldn’t have been more helpful or kind if she’d been one of my own daughters.

I hope you’ll visit the Feed Mill Restaurant‘s website today and check out their menu.  I don’t care where you live in Kentucky (or Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, Canada, Italy….), it’s worth the drive and I strongly urge you to make the trip right away.

It’s the only way you’ll find out, for yourself, why this is one of Genuine Kentucky’s absolute favorite restaurants. I take my restaurant reviews and recommendations incredibly seriously. I have had SO MANY people e-mail me (or leave comments) telling me that they’ve taken my advice and eaten at a particular restaurant or visited a particular Kentucky State park. I realize that many people plan an entire weekend around these visits and spend money and time – often driving many miles! – to take me up on my recommendation.

I do NOT take this responsibility lightly and would never recommend anyplace so strongly unless I believed in them 110 percent. When it comes to the Feed Mill Restaurant in Morganfield, I believe in them 110 percent and then some. Amazing food, amazing place… no place quite like it.

Check out the location and the menu at Feed Mill Restaurant!

The Feed Mill Morganfield, KY

A Word About Dining Out Gluten-Free

I always recommend for people with health issues such as mine to only visit restaurants with gluten-free menus.  When you visit restaurants that don’t have these menus, you’re dealing with the  great unknown. For me, personally, the unknown can cause two weeks of misery, flu-like symptoms, gut pain, mouth sores, and even five extra pounds.

Good times!

As I’ve said, however, I’ve gotten pretty good at ordering out and very seldom run into problems. Oddly enough, the times I HAVE run into trouble have been in restaurants WITH gluten-free menus when the staff either didn’t follow procedure or the server thought “picking out most of the croutons” equaled “no croutons whatsoever.”

A Few Guidelines I Suggest, If You Do Wade into Unknown Waters….

  • Baked potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, grilled fish, grilled chicken, hamburgers (off bun, of course!) are almost always safe.
  • Baked beans are a mystery. Some restaurants have gluten-free baked beans and some do not. While I always LOVED The Feed Mills baked beans (they’re fantastic.. very original and just amazingly delicious), I wouldn’t order them now simply because of the unknown.
  • Salads are safe, but you have to be careful with dressings. If in doubt, ask what brand of dressings they use – if you (like me) are familiar with which brands are gf, you’re golden. If they’re “made in house,” it depends upon the dressing, itself. If (for example) mayonnaise that isn’t gluten free was used in Ranch or Blue Cheese, you’d be in trouble. Also, always say “no croutons.”
  • If it’s a restaurant that provides bread with the meal, ask that it be left off of your plate.
  • When it comes to fries, if you avoid gluten/wheat for health reasons, you’d be safe to simply skip the fries. They may be fried in the same oil as breaded food such as onion rings or chicken tenders. Not all restaurants have a separate fryer for fries, but you could (of course) always ask. Personally, I just go with baked potatoes or mashed potatoes when I have the chance. Safer, that way.. plus I think they’re better, so win-win!

If you are also really good at choosing wisely or if you don’t have to eat gluten-free, the Feed Mill Restaurant is one you have to visit ASAP. All caps – ASAP. If not sooner. Please go… you’re going to love, love, love Feed Mill Restaurant!

The Feed Mill Morganfield, KY

Filed Under: Best Catfish, Dining Out Gluten Free, Off the Beaten Path, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: best Kentucky restaurants, Kentucky Restaurant reviews, Off the Beaten Path Kentucky Restaurants, restaurant reviews

The Pond (Formerly Willow Pond) in Aurora: What Makes This Kentucky Lake Restaurant So Special?

August 23, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Blackened Catfish at Willow Pond, Aurora
It’s been a while since I wrote my first Willow Pond in Aurora review (8 years to be exact!) but the review still gets visitors. In fact if you click the link, you can read the raving comments of others who’ve visited and loved this wonderful Kentucky Lake restaurant.

Special note before I continue with this review… I often refer to this particular Willow Pond as the Willow Pond in Aurora – I’m not trying to be wordy (I don’t have to try to be wordy, just ask my husband). There is a Willow Pond in Eddyville and it is nowhere near as good as the one in Aurora.  Different people run the place, different people work the place, and different people cook in the place. I want to clearly distinguish between the two because the Willow Pond in Aurora is excellent and the one in Eddyville? Well, you’d be better off at Wendy’s.

Back to Aurora and back to the “right” Willow Pond.

{Review Continued Below….}

Willow Pond (Aurora) Vinegar Coleslaw
Recently, I found myself (yet again) recommending Aurora’s Willow Pond to someone. A woman contacted me, through e-mail, asking for suggestions – she and her family planned to be in the Kentucky Lake area, for the first time no less, and wanted to know where I recommended lodging, eating, and shopping. As I sat typing out a nice long e-mail to her, I found myself raving about the Willow Pond restaurant in Aurora.

After sending the e-mail, I started thinking, What is it about Aurora’s Willow Pond Restaurant that makes it so special? Why do I always feel 110% comfortable and confident sending people their way? What separates them from a lot of other restaurants? Why is it the perfect place to eat if you’re visiting Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, or the Land Between the Lakes?

Fortunately, I never task myself questions I can’t handle, so I came up with the answers.

The FOOD Sets Willow Pond in Aurora Apart.

A lot of catfish restaurants (all that I’ve been to anyway) offer deals where you get your choice of meat, white beans, hush puppies, coleslaw, and your choice of fries or a baked potato. Each of the sides at Willow Pond (in Aurora) are superior to other restaurant’s sides. Period. I’m a nice Southern gal, but there’s no way to sugar coat this. Their beans? Better than other restaurants. Their coleslaw? Better than other restaurants. Their hush puppies? Okay, this is where I get sad.. I was always addicted to their wonderful hush puppies until I had to start eating gluten free. But, memory serves me well and their hush puppies are much better than other restaurants. Their baked potatoes are always perfection, as well. They have something else that sets them apart, too – red pepper relish! A bottle sits on each table (and is even available to purchase) and it is Heaven on their white beans. HEAVEN. Mind you, the beans are delicious without the relish, too.

The coleslaw is available two ways – made with vinegar or made with mayonnaise. To be honest, I’ve never had the mayo one in all the countless times I’ve been there. I don’t have anything against mayo coleslaw – but the vinegar coleslaw is so crazy delicious I just can’t wander away from it.

{Review Continued Below….}

Willow Pond (Aurora) White Beans and Red Pepper Relish
Willow Pond’s fried catfish is (again, going by memory) also better than you’ll find anywhere. Fortunately, since I have to eat blackened and grilled these days, their non-fried catfish is also great. Because their fried catfish is the stuff legends are made of, I was honestly broken-hearted about having to give it up. However, one bite of their grilled catfish and my poor catfish-loving heart mended right up. The grilled and blackedned are as delicious as the fried, and that’s really saying something huge.

Something else on the menu that’s out of this world is their grilled shrimp. Delicious! It doesn’t need any cocktail sauce – that’s how flavorful it is.

Even the iced tea is consistently great at Aurora’s Willow Pond!

CONSISTENCY Sets Willow Pond in Aurora Apart.

Pet peeve – when you never know what to expect from a restaurant one visit to the next. One week the food’s a 10, the next it’s a 3.  This week the people are friendly, the next they’re all but rude. What once was on the menu is now nowhere to be found. (Seriously, though, how is barbecue chicken “seasonal?”)

Aurora’s Willow Pond is as consistent as the word, itself. Consistent is always spelled the same – it never changes. You know what to expect, c-o-n-s-i-s-t-e-n-t.  This Willow Pond is delicious each and every single time.  As consistent as c-o-n-s-i-s-t-e-n-t. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is, it doesn’t matter what month of the year it is. The food refuses to be anything but delicious.  The prices refuse to be anything but reasonable. The restaurant, itself, refuses to be anything but the very definition of comfort.

{Review Continued Below….}

Willow Pond Grilled Catfish and Baked Potato

The PEOPLE Set Willow Pond in Aurora Apart.

The hostesses and servers are just as consistent as the food. Some of the faces may change from time to time but the “heart” of the restaurant never changes. There is an unmistakable atmosphere of happiness and southern hospitality flows through the air. We’ve eaten at this Willow Pond far too many times to even begin to count and we have never (not once, mind you) encountered a single worker who was rude or seemed in any way less than happy to be right where they were, doing right what they were doing.

They make you feel welcome and the smiles on their faces when guests walk through the door are not fake.  They are genuine.  About a month ago, we were enjoying a wonderful meal as the restaurant began to fill up. There was an event at nearby Kenlake and apparently there was a great turnout.

The servers and hostesses were incredibly busy but it never registered on their faces. It was as though their smiles and hearts didn’t realize how busy their hands and feet were! A very large group came in (ten people, in all) and the servers worked, happily, pulling tables together and talking to everyone about their visit to Kentucky Lake.

Not one single face “registered” the crazy pace of the evening and not one responded with anything but a smile and kindness to each and every guest.  They almost reminded me of how I am when all of my family gets together on holidays.

Mind you, I’ve never been in the restaurant business (even though my kitchen often feels like one!) – but I can’t help but think that the staff often takes on the character, mindset, and possibly even “heart” of the owner. In this case, it would make perfect sense, because the owner is what we call “good people” here in Kentucky. Very, very good people.

It appears to me that the heart of the owner resonates with each member of his staff.

People like that? You bet they set a restaurant apart from the rest.

{Review Continued Below…}

Willow Pond Grilled Shrimp and Baked Potato

The CHARM Sets Willow Pond in Aurora Apart.

We’d been going to this Willow Pond for months before I put my finger on what I loved so much about the restaurant, itself. There are other restaurants in the area that also serve great food. There are even a few that also have ridiculously friendly “good people.” And yet…. Whenever my husband and I would discuss where we were going to eat supper while in the area, we almost always came back to Willow Pond in Aurora.

It feels good to be there.

The restaurant, itself, is spacious, cozy, very comfortable, colorful and… well… charming. Very, very charming. I love the checkered tablecloths, I love the floral tablecloths, I love the fruity tablecloths, I love the country decor, I love the front porch, I love Ole Sam the Resident Buzzard (pictured below) a lot , and I love the I love the down home vibe of the entire restaurant.

I enjoy being there. Period.

{Concluded below Ole Sam…}

Ole Sam, the Resident Buzzard at Willow Pond Aurora
Next time you’re in the Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, or Land Between the Lakes area – you know where to go for supper. When you go, say “Hi!” to Sam for me.

Heck… I might even be there, myself.

Check out Aurora’s Willow Pond on Facebook to stay on top of their hours. Like all businesses around tourist areas, the days and hours change throughout the year.

Willow Pond Restaurant in Aurora. Kentucky
Willow Pond Blackened Catfish and Baked Potato
Willow Pond (Calvert City) Coleslaw, Beans and Relish
White Beans and Hushpuppies - Calvert City's Willow Pond Restaurant
Willow Pond Fried Catfish (Aurora)
Blackened Catfish at Willow Pond in Calvert City
Willow Pond Grilled Shrimp and Baked Potato
Willow Pond in Aurora Menu
Willow Pond in Aurora, Kentucky
Eddyville Willow Pond Catfish and Baked Potato
Willow Pond Menu
Willow Pond Catfish in Aurora, Ky
Willow Pond Blackened Catfish and Baked Potato
Willow Pond Aurora Menu

Filed Under: Aurora, Best Catfish, Kentucky Lake Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: best fried catfish in Kentucky, Kentucky Lake Restaurant Reviews, Kentucky Lake restaurants, where to eat at Kentucky Lake

Catfish Kitchen at Kentucky Lake: One of a Kind Restaurant

May 3, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Green Tomatoes and Beans at Catfish Kitchen

Green Tomatoes and Delicious Beans

How amazing do the green tomatoes and beans in the picture above look??? What’s really special is that they taste even better than they look. Next time you’re at Kentucky Lake, you HAVE to eat at Catfish Kitchen. Seriously. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. It’s a legendary Kentucky Lake restaurant and they do all things deliciously.

Catfish Kitchen Fried Catfish
Fried Catfish and a Baked Potato
 

I’ve certainly written about Catfish Kitchen plenty of times on Genuine Kentucky. If you haven’t guessed by now, it’s not just a favorite Kentucky Lake restaurant or Kentucky restaurant – it’s one of my favorite all time restaurants – as in anywhere, anytime.

I love the ambiance, the window views, the decor, the friendly servers, the fact that they have gluten free fried catfish, their big baked potatoes, their green tomatoes, the fact they have Heinz Ketchup instead of a vile “off brand,” their sweet tea, and… well… everything.

Heinz Ketchup at Catfish Kitchen

Heinz on the Table? The Restaurant Knows What’s Up!

If you know anything about me, you know that I am to catfish what Cookie Monster is to cookies and what Popeye is to spinach. Like chocolate and sweet tea, if catfish is mentioned, you have my undivided attention.

A few years ago, when I had to stop eating wheat and gluten, for health reasons, having to give up fried catfish (one of my obsessions) hurt more than anything else. More than doughnuts, more than pizza, more than just about anything else I had to say “so long” to. I even told one of my daughters once that (when it comes to dining out) fried catfish and onion rings were the toughest things to lose.

Then along comes Catfish Kitchen with gluten free fried catfish! Words can’t tell you what it means to me to still be able to go to Kentucky Lake and know I can have my beloved fried catfish. What’s more, it is excellent – EVEN better than I remember their normal fried catfish being, and that’s really saying something.

Green Tomatoes and Beans at Catfish Kitchen

A Side of Green Tomatoes is a MUST

Catfish Kitchen also has wonderful beans, baked potatoes, fried potatoes, green tomatoes, and (as memory serves) hush puppies.  Their “regular” fried catfish is also excellent, of course.

Catfish Kitchen Fried Catfish

Gluten Free Fried Catfish at Catfish Kitchen

Something pretty cool occurred to me last time my husband, Michael, and I went to Catfish Kitchen – my trust level with them, when it comes to dining out gluten free, is uncommonly high.  Here’s the situation… when I eat anything with gluten or wheat in it (even a crumb, mind you), I get uncommonly sick – with severe stomach pain – and the misery lasts for up to two weeks. Headaches, body aches, uncommon tiredness, and often a mouth ulcer or two also come into play. To keep things interesting, I even gain about 5 pounds each time.

For anywhere between 7-14 days, I am as miserable as it gets… like having the flu from Hell with a few other nightmares thrown in.

Understandably, I am overly cautious when I eat out. There are certain locally-owned restaurants and chain restaurants that I trust and only a handful that I’ve never had a single problem at. Since I am HIGHLY sensitive, I am usually a very good gauge for how “on the ball” a restaurant is because, as I said, even a crumb sends me into Hell Weeks.

This is why, not only are we cautious about where we eat, we have a few “precautionary steps” we take when we dine out. I make certain I mention “gluten free” and/or “wheat free” to the server a couple of times and, if it’s one I’m totally unfamiliar with, I’ll even say something along the lines of, “I can’t have anything with wheat or gluten or my body thinks it’s been poisoned!” – you know, something to make it a personal thing they can relate to and to help make their job easier.

We also almost ALWAYS order different sides if our food could possibly be mixed up. When I first started having to order gluten free fried catfish and he ordered his regularly fried catfish – he would always order fried potatoes. This extra little trick gave us more confidence when the food came out because, frankly, it’s tough to tell by just looking at the fried catfish. They look the same!

View from the Window at Catfish Ktichen
View from our Table
The view, above, is from the table we sat at on our last visit.  The pond often has a working fountain in the middle that adds to the relaxing setting.

Catfish Kitchen Coleslaw

Delicious Coleslaw

The sides at Catfish Kitchen are outstanding, too, even though their catfish is the biggest draw. The coleslaw (on our last trip) was even better than usual. It was fresh and fantastic.

Familiar Face at Catfish Kitchen
Familar Face at Catfish Kitchen
The guy pictured above is as much a regular at Catfish Kitchen as we are. We see him there all the time.

What more can I say? Catfish Kitchen is simply the perfect little Kentucky restaurant. It’s a very relaxing and beautiful setting and animal lovers like me will never tire of watching the Canadian Geese and ducks that are as drawn to the property as we are.

The goose pictured below had adorable goslings with her. Naturally, I didn’t want to get too close, because it’s her home and I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable – but you can see the adorable babies if you look closely.

Next time you’re at Kentucky Lake or the Land Between the Lakes, head for Catfish Kitchen…. and don’t forget to order a side of green tomatoes!

Before You Go: 
Always check Catfish Kitchen’s Facebook Page before planning your trip. This is advice I pretty much give to people before they go anywhere, but when it’s Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley restaurants, it’s absolutely essential. You never know when a restaurant’s “off season” hours will change or what days of the week they aren’t open unless you check first.

Also, if you want grilled catfish, you need to call ahead first.

How to Get There:
The official address for Catfish Kitchen is 136 Teal Run, Benton, KY.  Laymen’s terms? It’s on U.S. 641 – between Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and Benton. It’s 5 miles south of Kentucky Dam, to be exact.

I’d know.

Canadian Goose with Goslings
Canadian Goose with Goslings

 

Also See:

Catfish Kitchen: A Legendary Kentucky Lake Restaurant

Filed Under: Best Catfish, Dining Out Gluten Free, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Lake Restaurants Tagged With: best fried catfish in Kentucky, Catfish Kitchen, Catfish Kitchen Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Lake restaurants, where to eat at Kentucky Lake

Restaurant Review: Shady Cliff on Lake Malone

August 19, 2015 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Shady Cliff Restaurant in Lewisburg, Kentucky

Baked Potatoes, Green Beans, and the Most Flavorful Grilled Shrimp Imaginable

As I’ve written in my other Shady Cliff Restaurant Reviews, this is one exceptional, off-the-beaten-path, MUST SEE FOR YOURSELF Kentucky restaurant. Located in Lewisburg, on beautiful Lake Malone, this is one of the most consistently mind-bogglingly delicious restaurants in or out of the state.

Shady Cliff Restaurant Salad with Delicious French Dressing

One of My Favorite Restaurant Salads – The French Dressing is Amazing

From their delicious French Dressing (made in house, of course) to their ridiculously flavorful grilled shrimp, everything you put in your mouth is worth an eye roll toward Heaven.

Each time we go to Shady Cliff, I want to branch out and try something different, but I cannot make that CANNOT get past their amazing grilled shrimp and grilled catfish! I do go back and forth between their white beans and green beans, however. Each is delicious.

Their baked potatoes are also perfect in every way.

Normally I can never make up my mind which is more delicious, their tossed salad with French Dressing (absolutely delicious, by the way). On our most recent trip, however, the salad won the battle.

It’s not a knock on the coleslaw, it’s just the fact that this French Dressing is better than any dressing has a right to be.

It’s indecent for it to be so delicious.  Sorry, coleslaw, it’s the way it is.

 

Shady Cliff Restaurant Coleslaw and Salad

 

Shady Cliff Restaurant Coleslaw and Salad

To read more about this wonderful (consistently perfect) restaurant, see my Shady Cliff Restaurant Reviews.

Directions:

 
Address: 537 Lake Malone, Lewisburg, KY 42256
Phone: (270) 657-8184

Special Note: If you’re familiar with family-owned businesses and/or small town restaurants, you already know to call first before making a special trip. It’s a beautiful drive – and one in which you’ll want to drive slow to take it all in – but it is the only restaurant for quite a few miles. In other words, make sure they’re open before you find yourself in Lewsisburg among horses, cows, mules, and goats with nothing to eat… because they do NOT share.

Goats in Lewisburg, Kentucky

Filed Under: Best Catfish, Lake Malone, Off the Beaten Path, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: Kentucky Restaurant reviews, Restaurant Reviews, Shady Cliff Restaurant Lewisburg Ky

What Do Willow Pond in Aurora and Kentucky Lake Have in Common?

July 27, 2015 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Willow Pond in Aurora, Kentucky

Willow Pond in Aurora, Kentucky

Last weekend, Michael and I planned out a great Saturday. We’d go to Paducah and check out a new coffee shop (in the Old Coca Cola Plant). Then we’d look around Paducah (we love their downtown), visit Kentucky Lake, and finish a great day off with supper at Catfish Kitchen.

We normally eat at the Willow Pond Restaurant in Aurora when we’re near Kentucky Lake and the Land Between the Lakes. It’s simply one of our favorite restaurants in the entire state.

However, since I had to start eating gluten free, there are only two places in the world I can get fried catfish – Catfish Kitchen and my own kitchen. As far as I know, they’re the only restaurant that serves gluten free fried catfish.

I’ve been eating so much grilled or blackened catfish lately that I was eager to switch it up a bit and have some fried catfish.

Well, you know how “great plans” go! First of all, the espresso machine in the coffee shop was down, so we had to leave without a single drink.  Then, when we drove to the downtown (thinking we’d visit the coffee shop down there, then peacefully stroll around with our drinks), we found that everyone within 7 states seemed to have descended on Downtown Paducah for the day!

I was thrilled to see so many people having a great time, but there was no where to park and, if there had been, it was honestly elbow to elbow down there and that didn’t strike either one of us as peaceful.

 

Soooo, we headed toward Kentucky Lake and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. We sat at Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers for quite a while (I’ll add the pictures tomorrow) and Kentucky Lake reminded us what relaxation meant.

The earlier disappointments had completely vanished by the time we drove up to Catfish Kitchen. All we knew were that we were perfectly relaxed and outrageously hungry!

By this point, I was dying for some fried catfish. They open at 4:00 and we pulled into the parking lot at 4:25.  Even though the parking lot wasn’t entirely full, we were told that we’d have “at least an” hour long wait.

An hour!

Hello, disappointment, nice to meet you again.

We stepped out of the restaurant and an older lady overheard us talking about the wait. She was beyond exasperated and was having to stand out in the heat because the waiting room was packed. She said she and her husband had driven hours to Kentucky Lake, wanting to eat at Catfish Kitchen but that she couldn’t wait any longer.

When we were walking to our car, a group headed past us and a woman said to me, “I hope there isn’t a wait.” I told her, “I’m afraid it’s an hour long wait.”  One of the men in their group laughed and said, “Oh, I hope not!”

I started to say, “My good man… I do NOT joke about catfish,” but I decided to let them find out for themselves. As we were pulling out of the parking lot, they were walking out of the restaurant shaking their heads.

They found out.

Willow Pond, Aurora: Coleslaw and Beans

Coleslaw and Beans at the Willow Pond in Aurora

Neither one of us had to even discuss Plan B, we knew where we were going – Aurora! Like Kentucky Lake, Aurora’s Willow Pond never lets us down and, after the day we had, we needed that in the worst possible way.

Here’s the thing, I prefer Willow Pond’s coleslaw to anyone else in the region’s.  I also had rather have their beans because they have this amazing red relish that you can put on top…. and it is delectable. So, the fact that we were actually “having” to go to a favorite restaurant wasn’t even a problem.

I was even able to change things up by having something other than grilled catfish – I ordered grilled shrimp and it was out of this world good. I’ve always been a fanatic when it comes to shrimp and catfish… no wonder I love Willow Pond so much. They work magic with shrimp and catfish like few could ever hope to.

Willow Pond Grilled Shrimp and Baked Potato

Delicious Grilled Shrimp and Perfect Baked Potato

But it’s more than just that (as if that wouldn’t be enough!). Their beans, coleslaw, baked potatoes, and hush puppies (I remember them SO well) are excellent. They don’t just try to get by with average sides like some restaurants do – their sides are extraordinary.

Great food, uncommonly friendly servers, and a charming, genuinely Kentucky atmosphere.  Is it any wonder this beautiful Kentucky Lake restaurant is one of our favorite restaurants anywhere?

There’s A LOT to be said for people, places, and things that never disappoint you. I’m looking at you Willow Pond and Kentucky Lake.

Willow Pond in Aurora Menu

Willow Pond Menu (Aurora, Kentucky)

Filed Under: Aurora, Best Catfish, Kentucky Lake Restaurants Tagged With: Kentucky Lake restaurants, where to eat at Kentucky Lake, Willow Pond Aurora

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to page 5
  • Go to Next Page »

Welcome to Genuine Kentucky!

Genuine Kentucky is a Kentucky Blog and online magazine celebrating the beautiful Bluegrass State. We shine the spotlight on Kentucky with pictures, restaurant reviews, news, tourism, Things to Do in Kentucky, and more.

We’re proud Kentuckians and the non-profit effort you see before you is a labor of love.

E-mail me anytime! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Kentucky Blog Updates

The Pond Grilled Shrimp and Baked Potato.

Delicious Grilled Shrimp at The Pond in Aurora, Kentucky If you're anything like me, you LOVE to get out in all the hustle … [Read More...] about Enjoying all Kentucky Has to Offer in Cold and Flu Season…

Beautiful Cardinal in Ice Covered Tree

Cardinal Riding Out the 2014 Ice Storm Can you believe it's been 8 years since the famous 2014 ice storm (well, it was … [Read More...] about Throwback to 2014 and the Kentucky Ice Storm… Even Then, There was Beauty

The Pond Catfish and Baked Potato

Baked Potato and Grilled Catfish at The Pond One of my favorite Kentucky restaurants is The Pond in Aurora, Kentucky. I love … [Read More...] about The Pond at Kentucky Lake: Always a Relaxing and Wonderful Place to Dine

Kentucky Lake - Winter at Lighthouse Landing

Lighthouse Landing at Kentucky Lake If you were a regular reader of Genuine Kentucky, you know all too well that we've been … [Read More...] about Genuine Kentucky… Recovering from a Whirlwind of Changes!

The Kentucky Legend Cafe

Photo Credit: The Owensboro Convention Center My youngest daughter, Stephany, often talk about squeezing as much joy out of … [Read More...] about Hot Dog Days of Summer at the Kentucky Legend Cafe in Owensboro (Located in the Convention Center)

Golden Pond Visitor's Center and Planetarium

The Golden Pond Visitor Center Planetarium and Observatory International Astronomy Day is Saturday, May 7, 2022 and The … [Read More...] about Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: Activities for Astronomy Day (May 7, 2022)

Smothers Park Owensboro

Some of the more popular posts we've done on Genuine Kentucky have been the ones under the category "Where to eat in … [Read More...] about Kentucky Legend Café: Delicious Place to Enjoy Lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky

Gorgeous owl at the Nature Station

Owl at Woodlands Nature Station As I said in my last post, everything is coming back to life around Kentucky... everything … [Read More...] about A Sensational Spring Break at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes April 2-10, 2022

Follow Genuine Kentucky on Twitter!

Tweets by @GenuineKentucky


"When reading about a Kentucky event, please be sure you check the date. Old events are not always deleted from the website. If you have an event you'd like to see on Genuine Kentucky or a 'Made in Kentucky' food or product you'd like reviewed, please contact us! " ~ Joi ("Joy")

Flowering Tree in Bowling Green
Fraley Music Festival
Maddox

Kentucky News and Events

  • Enjoying all Kentucky Has to Offer in Cold and Flu Season…
  • Throwback to 2014 and the Kentucky Ice Storm… Even Then, There was Beauty
  • The Pond at Kentucky Lake: Always a Relaxing and Wonderful Place to Dine
  • Genuine Kentucky… Recovering from a Whirlwind of Changes!
  • Hot Dog Days of Summer at the Kentucky Legend Cafe in Owensboro (Located in the Convention Center)
  • Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: Activities for Astronomy Day (May 7, 2022)
  • Kentucky Legend Café: Delicious Place to Enjoy Lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky
  • A Sensational Spring Break at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes April 2-10, 2022

Kentucky State Parks

We have a special passion for Kentucky State Parks, so you'll find many articles and reviews centered around the beautiful state parks in Kentucky.

A personal goal is to visit, photograph, and enjoy each and every one of our state parks and eat at each of the state resort parks. Make no mistake about it, we're well on our way!

Bird Watching in Kentucky!

One of our greatest passions is birds and bird watching is an absolute favorite pastime. If you love our feathered friends and want to learn more about bird watching and attracting birds to your own backyard, be sure to check out our section dedicated entirely to Kentucky birds.

Kentucky Restaurants and Reviews

Kentucky Restaurant Reviews

Where are the best Kentucky restaurants?! Find out in our Kentucky Restaurant Reviews.

Also See: Best Fried Catfish in Kentucky
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Kentucky Events

The pandemic has crushed many activities, events, and normalcy – not just in Kentucky, but all around the world. As we creep back toward normal, I want desperately to highlight any and all events going on around Kentucky. Please E-mail me any information you’d like shared about your Kentucky event! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Kentucky Pictures

Kentucky Pictures
Check out the beautiful Pictures of Kentucky in our photo albums!

Advertising & Reviews

If you are interested in advertising on Genuine Kentucky, please contact us: e-mail Joi Sigers.

Also, if you have a resort, condo, golf course, restaurant, or even a cup of coffee (LOVE coffee!) you'd like for us to review, please contact us at joi@genuinekentucky.com.

Genuine Kentucky Disclaimer

We do not work for any Kentucky service or organization. We are simply proud to have been born and raised in the greatest state in the country and are thrilled to call it home. This site serves as our tribute to Kentucky and its warm and wonderful people. Our mission is to bring more travelers to Kentucky and keep more Kentuckians home! See our Privacy Policy.
Copyright Genuine Kentucky 2022