Anyone who knows me knows that I. Love. Sonic. Large Diet Coke, Extra Ice, and a Grilled Cheese - add pickles, add bacon. (If you haven't tried it, you should.)
But - when I go on vacation to a new location - I don't eat Sonic for lunch. Or supper. Sweet Thing and I like to try to local favorites. So I'm compiling some of the area's best ones here. Let's call this PART 1 - because there are so many, it's going to take multiple blogs.
If you're admiring that photo up above, you need to go to Archer's in Hardin. Here are three more reasons why:
As for that burger in the pic? Rumor has it there are six patties on there. They also have pizza.
Next, let's stop at the Kentucky Lake Superstore AND Restaurant - Fast Eddie's Bait & Tackle. Fishing, hunting and water sports supplies - and dinner. Talk about one stop shopping! Have the catfish on Fridays, or the steak on Saturday night, and grab worms for Sunday morning fishing. Bam!
I love a pool hall - and Break Time Bar & Grill is now open (in the old Off the Hoof building, IYKYK). I haven't had a chance to stop in yet, but it's on my list. And WOW they look to be having all SORTS of fun activity nights! Let's play bingo, people.
Another old school pool hall/beer joint is The Beer Garden on Highway 641. I've totally been in there and it has some super loyal fans, because it's always busy. Sometimes bar food is EXACTLY what you need, you know? Fun Fact: It sits where the old amusement park Kaintuck Territory used to be. It was a go-to vacation spot for anyone visiting Kentucky Lake back in the olden days. Like the 1970's.
Looking for a nostalgic establishment? Here's one - Belew's Dairy Bar in Aurora has been a lake thing since 1951. Introduce the fam to banana splits, malts, and dip cones. Like a lot of lake restaurants, they're seasonal so check their Facebook page before heading that way. While we're still on the topic of ice cream and nostalgia - another tasty option is Craig's Dairy Dream in Grand Rivers. They have burgers, corn dogs and more (in addition to ice cream) - get one of those soft serve cones that's half chocolate/half vanilla. Classic. You know the food is going to be good when you see a sign like this:
Here's another oldie but goodie option for you - the 50's Cafe. They're known for their breakfast - during the week, they're only open til 2 pm. But they're open until 8pm on the weekends - and yes, you can have breakfast for supper. The strawberry pancakes were divine.
Sometimes the only thing my group can agree on is that we'll all eat pizza. Our two faves that are close to the Inn? Mama D's and Cabin Pizza. At Mama D's - I ALWAYS get the Spinach White Pizza, add bacon and chicken. I'm a big bacon girl. Cabin Pizza is over in Grand Rivers - call or check their Facebook. And try to order the "All You Can Meat" pizza and not giggle......