Kentucky Restaurants and Reviews

On the following pages you'll find a growing collection of Kentucky Restaurants and Kentucky Restaurant Reviews. If you have any questions about these, or other, restaurants, please feel free to e-mail me or find me on Twitter (@GenuineKentucky).

Catfish Kitchen at Kentucky Lake (Make. A. Reservation.)

August 7, 2017 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Gluten-Free Fried Catfish and Baked Potato at Catfish Kitchen

My husband (Michael) and I take a lot of “daycations” – during each of the four seasons, not just summer. We don’t play favorites, after all. A daycation, simply put, is a vacation packed into a single day. Some people take week-long vacations but we kind of beat the system. By taking one 3-4 times a month, we have a lot more actual vacation time than most people.

Our daycations are usually on Saturdays, but occasionally we’ll take one on a Sunday (not during NFL season, though – I mean, that’s just not done from what I hear).

We’ll wake up, have our Bulletproof Coffee, feed our cats (while promising to bring them something back), map out the route (him), and grab a large tumbler of sweet tea (me) – then off we go. As I’ve mentioned before on the Kentucky blog, I have to eat gluten-free for health reasons. So, unfortunately, our daycations and destinations have to take that bit of information into consideration.

If I were to end up in an area or at a destination where I couldn’t safely eat lunch or supper, it would not make for a lovely daycation or a happy me. Quite frankly, years ago, we used to visit a lot more places (remote State Resort Parks, for example) that are pretty much off the list these days.

There just aren’t a lot of restaurants that will or are able to take the extra measures to provide “gluten-free” food. Thankfully, one of our favorite daycation destinations (Kentucky Lake and the Land Between the Lakes) has a couple of delicious options. Catfish Kitchen actually has gluten-free fried catfish (it isn’t listed on the menu, but you can certainly order it – goodness knows I do often enough!). Paired with beans, coleslaw, green tomato relish, and a baked potato – it’s one of my favorite meals.

Beans and Green Tomato Relish

There are bottles of relish on the tables for the beans, but I prefer the Green Tomato Relish (it is ridiculously delicious). It’s less than $1 and is the perfect accompaniment to the beans.

Take it from me, just because you have to eat a certain way doesn’t mean you don’t thoroughly enjoy dining out as much as the next person!

The pictures in this post are from our last visit to Catfish Kitchen. The fried okra and hush puppies may be off-limits for me, but that doesn’t mean my husband can’t enjoy the heck out of them.

Fried Okra: Not Gluten-Free (Unfortunately!)

Here’s a word to the wise, MAKE RESERVATIONS. Call the restaurant as soon as you possibly can and set a reservation. The restaurant has limited seating but unlimited popularity – when those two combine, there’s only one thing you can do to make sure you get to eat before you’re ready to eat your own shoes… MAKE RESERVATIONS. On our last visit, there was a very, very disappointed and unhappy lady who had apparently driven a long way to visit Catfish Kitchen and who was, understandably, upset about having to wait at least an hour.

The nicer the weather, the more vital it is to make reservations. A few weeks ago, when my husband called to make a reservation, it was already too late for a “reasonable” dinner hour. This restaurant is incredibly popular and people just seem to come out of nowhere to pull into the parking lot. MAKE RESERVATIONS!

Hush Puppies: Also NOT Gluten-Free

Catfish Kitchen is located at 136 Teal Run (between Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and Benton). Their phone number is (270) 362-7306.

Catfish Kitchen Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4–8PM
Thursday: 4–8PM
Friday: 4–8PM
Saturday: 4–8PM
Sunday: 11AM–8PM

Green Tomato Relish: Trust Me, You’ll Want to Order This Every Time!

The Pond Restaurant in Aurora, Kentucky (Previously Willow Pond)

May 16, 2017 by Joi Sigers 4 Comments

Loaded Baked Potato, Blackened Catfish, and Vinegar Coleslaw

As you can tell from the multiple Willow Pond (in Aurora) reviews on Genuine Kentucky, this is one of our favorite Kentucky Lake Restaurants. The food is consistently delicious and the people couldn’t be any friendlier if they were your own family. None of that has changed (or is it ever apt to), but the name HAS changed. This legendary Kentucky Lake restaurant is no longer Willow Pond…. it is now The Pond.

Some people get kind of confused when it comes to the Willow Pond restaurants near Kentucky Lake – so I’ll just give a brief recap:

There was a Willow Pond in Calvert City that was pretty darn good. While the Willow Pond in Aurora has always been my favorite, this restaurant wasn’t at all bad. Unfortunately, the Calvert City Willow Pond is closed now – for good, apparently, because there now a new business in their old location. This Willow Pond had different owners than the Willow Pond in Aurora.
The Willow Pond in Aurora (my favorite since Day 1) is still standing strong and delicious. It is simply now going by the name The Pond. The signs out front have not changed yet, but trust me… it’s not The Pond. We ate there a few days ago and the overall-wearing frog (pictured below) assured me, the change is a done deal.
There is a Willow Pond in Eddyville that is… for lack of a better word… horrible. The last time we ate there (out of severe hunger and desperation), we actually sat in a shocked kind of silence trying to tally up all the things they did wrong. Everything was cold, everything was bad, and the servers were aloof and acted kind of detached. Not that I wouldn’t try to detach myself from the food served, too, but still. The Eddyville Willow Pond owners are NOT the ones who own the Aurora restaurant. They aren’t even the ones who owned the one in Calvert City (though I wish they were in case we were ever hungry and desperate in that area again).

{Review Continued Beneath My Buddy the Frog….}

While The Pond (this is going to take some getting used to after years of typing Willow Pond in Aurora!) has a little bit of everything on their menu, they are famous for…

Fried Catfish
White Beans
Red Pepper Relish (for the beans)
Grilled Catfish
Grilled Shrimp
Fried Green Tomatoes (appetizer)
Vinegar Coleslaw
Their Hush Puppies

After our recent visit, I’m going to do my part to make sure they become equally famous for their blackened catfish and loaded baked potato, but before I get to that, a few words about the above legends. The red pepper relish and vinegar coleslaw have, literally, ruined a lot of other restaurants for me. I find myself in other restaurants, eating their beans and thinking, “Beans are better with The Pond’s red pepper relish…” Or I’ll take a bite of coleslaw and think, “Not as good as The Pond’s…”

A few years ago, I had to completely stop eating wheat and gluten (health reasons – my body made the decision, not my brain). Before that fateful moment, The Pond’s hush puppies and fried catfish had ALSO ruined other restaurant’s attempts as well.

When I had to give up wheat, I had to give up fried catfish and hush puppies at The Pond. I was quickly and greatly relieved to discover that their grilled shrimp, blackened catfish, and grilled catfish are phenomenal.

In fact, when we were there this past Saturday, the blacked catfish was better than ever. It was simply too good to be true and I told it so.

Yes, of course I talk to my food. Try not to judge me – all I can do is ask you to try.

I also branched out this time and ordered the Baked Potato “loaded,” which proved to be one of my smarter moves of the year. It was extra, extra delicous – the entire meal was, to be honest.

But the thing is… with The Pond… I would expect no less.

William Shakespeare said, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Joi (that’d be me) says, “A Restaurant this good… by any name it chooses… will knock your knickers off.”

I never claimed to be as eloquent as Mr. Shakespeare.

The Pond is located in Aurora, Kentucky – perfectly situated between Kenlake State Resort Park/Kentucky Lake and The Hitching Post and Old Country Store. I hope you’ll make The Pond your dining choice when in the Land Between the Lakes region or anywhere near Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley.

~ Joi (“Joy”)

P.S. One more example of how good The Pond is and how much we love it: We live in Owensboro, Kentucky and have actually made the trip to Aurora JUST to have dinner at The Pond. What’s more, we’ve done it more than once.

What’s MORE… we’ll do it again!

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.

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.

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!

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!

One of My Fave Restaurants in the Tri-State Area: MISSION BBQ in Evansville, Indiana

December 28, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

MISSION BBQ Baked Beans, Pulled Pork, and FriesWhen my husband and I were in Evansville a few days ago, we stopped for lunch at MISSION BBQ on Green River Road (1530 N Green River Rd, if you’re keeping score at home). While this was my first time at MISSION, I guarantee it won’t be my last.

I actually fell in love with them before even stepping through the door. Due to health reasons, I have to eat gluten-free/wheat-free, so before we visit a restaurant I have to visit that restaurant’s website to see if it’s “safe.” If a restaurant doesn’t even have a website, it’s Strike One – because, in this day and time, not to have a website is just negligence. I found that MISSION BBQ has a beautiful website – this patriotic gal was immediately struck by their love of country and those who serve it.

I mentally whispered, “We’re going to get along just fine.”

The next step in the “Restaurant’s Safety Check” is to see their “Gluten-Free” Menu. Unfortunately, most restaurants feature a (sorry, I’m just keeping it real) really annoying list of food that you then have to follow a graph to locate a check-mark under the different allergens. Talk about time consuming and talk about a pain in the backside – especially when you’re on a phone. While these restaurants are a giant step above the ones that don’t even have a gluten-free menu (Strikes Two and Three), it is a headache.

MISSION BBQ is one of the few… the very few… that actually has a special, concise, and downright generous menu for gluten-free dining all by itself. As in, click one link and you see what you can eat!

This is when I mentally whispered, “We’re going to get along beautifully.”

Brisket, Cold Slaw, and Green BeansUnlike a lot of restaurants we visit, I actually had choices. It wasn’t at all a case of, “Well, I get this meat and this is the one side I can have.” No, no, no… I actually got to choose my meat and I had a wide variety of sides from which to choose. It was nothing short of crazy cool. If you don’t have to/choose to eat gluten-free, imagine for a minute visiting a restaurant that chooses your meal for you – that’s how it is for those of us who have to eat gluten-free at most restaurants. That’s why MISSION BBQ stood out to me as especially fun and adventurous!

Needless to say, if the food didn’t taste good, it would have been a huge bummer – but it wasn’t just good, it was great. Fantastic. Extraordinary…. perfect, even! When you’re searching for adjectives that are good enough for something, just go with perfect because it just doesn’t get any better than that – and restaurant food just doesn’t get any better than MISSION BBQ.

Michael got the brisket (he’s a brisket kind of guy) and I got my favorite, pulled pork. He ordered green beans and “cold slaw” and I went with fries and baked beans. I actually felt a little overwhelmed because I’m not used to choosing sides… they normally choose me. I even asked Michael (who has been to MISSION BBQ many times), “Which sides do I choose?!” When he smiled and said he suggested I choose the ones I want, I did just that. I’m a potato fiend and am fascinated with baked beans, so my choices were clear.

As you can see from the pictures, I got so overly-excited that I forgot to tell them to leave the cornbread off of my plate!

The first thing I tasted was the fries – because I’m a fiend and all that – and they were outstanding. They were seasoned perfectly and had more flavor than you come to expect from fries. The baked beans were next and they didn’t disappoint either. There were a few beautiful chunks of meat in them which only helped give them their beautiful flavor.

The pork was tender and delicious – it was some of the best pulled pork I’ve had. Smoky and full of wonderful flavor.

MISSION BBQ has 6 different sauces to test out and use on your BBQ and it was a lot of fun to try the different flavors out.

I also tasted the green beans, cold slaw, and brisket on the plate in front of me and they were each phenomenal as well. The “cold slaw” was probably the coldest slaw I’ve ever had and it was fantastic. I get nervous when coleslaw isn’t cold, so this one is now one of my favorite restaurant coleslaws. Make that cold slaws.

Even the sweet tea was delicious! I was even able to get it in a great-looking plastic American Heroes cup, which I love.

MISSION BBQ American Heroes Cup Filled With Awesome Sweet TeaThe vibe of the entire restaurant resonated with me too. The patriotism and overwhelming RESPECT for the men and women who have served and who do serve our country is as beautiful as the food is delicious. It’s simply a wonderful experience to eat at MISSION BBQ – in every aspect.

I saved the “human element” for last because it’s something that always stands out to me. The staff of a restaurant tells you a lot about the restaurant, itself. The food and decor hint at a restaurant’s personality, but its staff (its true ambassadors) really shines a spotlight on it. We once at a restaurant in Evansville (notice the “once”) where the workers were so rude that we never went back. Sorry, Charlie, but the best tomato soup in the world doesn’t cover up for being treated like you’re an intruder.

As soon as we walked in the door, we were welcomed by warmth and many smiling faces. The young lady who took our orders couldn’t have been friendlier to us if we were her family. She radiated personality, warmth, and friendliness. The young lady who served as hostess was equally sweet. Both were credits to their professions and I thought several times, “Whoever hired this young lady as a hostess was a freaking genius.” Great staff members leave a lasting, favorable impression – can you tell that these girls did just that?!

“If You Knew You Couldn’t Play Tomorrow, How Hard Would You Play Today?”Excellent food, exceptional staff, delicious tea… oh, let’s just go with perfect. Every single thing about MISSION BBQ is perfect.

The Indiana location of MISSION BBQ is at 1530 N Green River Rd in Evansville and it is worth the drive from wherever you happen to be. There is also a MISSION BBQ in Nashville, TN. Unfortunately, there isn’t a MISSION BBQ in Kentucky yet, but I have added it to my prayer list.

The Brisket was Melt in Your Mouth Tender!

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….}

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.