The South is full of great places to eat whether it be country fried chicken or a seafood feast along the coast. The restaurant signage is almost as beautiful as the historical buildings and the food itself! Here are a few of my favorites, if you find yourself in these parts stop on in!
The Twig and Leaf
Louisville, KY
Entering the historic Twig and Leaf is like taking a trip back to the diners of the 1950s, with a casual feel and padded barstools. The menu offers something the whole family can find to devour, and on weekends, you can eat there 24 hours a day. It’s especially popular after a night of visiting the many pubs along historic Bardstown Road. The huge portions leave you feeling satisfied. With a rustic feel that makes every person young and old feel right at home.
The Twig and Leaf’s Custom Neon Signage
The Old Talbott Tavern
Bardstown, KY
The Old Talbott Tavern was built in 1779, a year before the settlement of Salem (later renamed Bardstown) began, making it the “oldest western stagecoach stop” still in operation. The tavern was called the Hynes Hotel and was at a crossroads that led to Philadelphia and Virginia. George Rogers Clark used it as a resource base during the end of the American Revolutionary War and Daniel Boone stayed here. Exiled Louis-Philippe of France, stayed at the tavern in October 1797, with a member of his entourage painting murals that were rediscovered in the 20th century and were on display until the 1998 fire.
Beautiful channel letter building sign
Columbia Restaurant
St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine is the nation’s oldest city and has a heavy Spanish influence. The Columbia Restaurant is over a century old offers authentic award-winning Spanish cuisine.
McCrady’s Tavern and Long Room
Charleston, South Carolina
This historic restaurant was completed in phases, with the last being completed in 1788. It was once used for theatrical performances and banquests and was the hub of social life after the American Revolution. There was once a banquets for President George Washington held here!
Gorgeous wrought iron restaurant sign
The Colonnade
Atlanta, GA
This Atlanta institution has a history that dates all the way back to 1927. Nothing has changed in the food department since the opening in 1927. Love the old neon sign. Makes me want to stop the car and see what’s cookin’!
The Pirate’s House
Savannah, GA
Since 1753, The Pirate’s House has been welcoming visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food and drink and rousing good times. Not far from the Savannah River, The Pirate’s House first opened as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Here seamen drank their grog and discoursed, sailor fashion, on their exotic high seas adventures from Singapore to Bombay and from London to Port Said. ARG Matey!
Patti’s 1880’s Settlement Restaurant
Grand Rivers, KY (Land Between the Lakes)
Patti’s such a popular and iconic restaurant down at Land Between the Lakes, that there are now 2 restaurants, side by side! They serve over 350,000 people annually in a town with a population of just 350. They come from all over for the great food, beautiful gardens and Patti’s great Southern hospitality. They even have several gift shops, streams, koi ponds, fountains, and more!
Holly Hill Inn
Midway, Kentucky
Holly Hill Inn is a charming restaurant in the middle of Bluegrass Horse Country. The old inn was built circa 1845 and is set in the most romantic countryside with with lots of low-hanging trees and beautiful gardens.
Parkette Drive-In
Lexington, KY
There are few things more American than the classic glow of neon lights luring hungry bellies into a tasty drive-in burger joint. Founded in 1951, the Parkette Drive-In is a relic of American history still serving up delicious fried chicken and burgers today in Lexington. The large animated custom neon sign has been a luminous landmark on Lexington’s New Circle Road for over half a century.
How about I through in a few of my favorite Yankee restaurants as well?
Mr. Dan’s Restaurant
Indianapolis, IN
Mr. Dan’s Restaurant opened in 1950 (then called Gay Dan’s after the Gay 1890’s carnival wagons that moved from town to town and the name was changed to Mr. Dan’s in 1970). Mr. Dan’s is an Indy legend!
Arnold’s Bar and Grill
Cincinnati, OH
Opened in 1861, the locals have been eating and drinking there ever since. In the beginning, it may have served just liquor; during Prohibition it was just food (unless it’s true that gin was made in the bathtub upstairs).
