We've been waiting for restaurants to be allowed to reopen at full capacity to share this post, but hindsight is 20/20 and we may as well have shared as it isn't happening, and we're almost onto the next cover feature. Whether you’re looking for southern home cooking or authentic cuisine, Etown has it all. We have compiled a fun list of local restaurants and have a plethora of choices: American, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Thai, seafood, and more. In addition, we have added some of our favorite bars, and ice cream spots sure to keep you refreshed and cool this summer. Read on and get to planning your next ladies’ lunch or date night. Remember, always shop—and dine—local Hardin County! Yummy cover shoot images by Marnie Clagett of Clagett Photography.
Impellizzeri’s Pizza
Impellizzeri’s is a downtown pizza parlor that has been open for nearly three years. The restaurant was brought to Elizabethtown by Ben LaRue, Kevin Addington, and Carl Swope as a part of the revival of downtown. It has become a prominent part of downtown and a place that people love to eat, especially after the events that occur during the summertime. Every day at lunch, you can get a slice and a salad starting at $5.99. Slice choices are classic pepperoni, sausage, or plain cheese and a house salad with your choice of dressing or a Caesar salad.
Scheduled Ladies Nights take place Wednesday evenings. Impellizzeri’s has many great pizzas to try from, so it’s hard to recommend just one. But if we must, we suggest the Sampler Pizza. The Cheese Bread, as well as the Original Wings, are a must-try too!
14 Public Square, Unit 101, Elizabethtown
(270) 766-1100
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Family Fun Cafe & Ice Cream
Family Fun Cafe & Ice Cream has been in business since 2016 and is located in Radcliff right off of Dixie Highway. Family-owned and operated, Family Fun Cafe & Ice Cream is run by Michelle Harmon. The restaurant serves up delicious ice cream flavors and a variety of tasty meals ranging from nachos to homemade chili. Favorite menu items include Homemade Potato Soup, Elephant Ear Ice Cream, and Bourbon Pecan Ice Cream. They also have sugar-free and dairy-free items such as their Philadelphia Water Ice. Last year, they launched their fun shakes, including a specialty flavor and a collectible mug; Bourbon Pecan & Brownie and Birthday Cake are favorites. The restaurant hosts events such as petting zoos, pony rides, father-daughter ice cream socials, birthday parties, and movie nights. A mother of ten children, Michelle loves bringing families together and showing them how they can have fun and connect cost-effectively.
1537 S. Wilson Road, Radcliff
(270) 352-5500
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
el Acapulco
El Acapulco is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Etown for a reason. Ramiro Romero and his family opened El Acapulco almost a decade ago; they take great pride in being a gathering place for families and friends to come together over delicious food. The service is fantastic, and the staff treats guests like family. The welcoming waiters and staff make it hard not to be a regular at El Acapulco! They recently added an outdoor patio, so people can enjoy eating and spending time together in an open-air environment. Our favorite dishes are the El Alcapulco—basically chicken with queso and homemade rice —and then the classic Chimichanga. Be sure to pair your meal with a margarita for good measure. Flavors include traditional lime, strawberry, mango, and piña colada.
918 N. Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown
(270) 982-2133
Find them on Facebook!
Ginza Hibachi
Ginza is easy to recognize with its beautiful koi fish mural, but the real magic happens at the Hibachi grill. The restaurant has been a hot spot for sushi and hibachi in Elizabethtown for the past eighteen years. Michael Yun and his family saw a market for Japanese food and opened up soon after restaurants in Elizabethtown were able to acquire a liquor license, Ginza was one of the first to be approved. Michael’s favorite thing about owning a restaurant in Elizabethtown is seeing people sharing a meal and growing friendships with his regular customers. Ginza is known for their hibachi: Chicken, steak—Yakisoba or filet, shrimp, scallops, and vegetarian and are options all served with fabulous fried rice and mixed veggies. You can order off of the menu at your table or join in an interactive experience at one of the unique hibachi tables. If you’re a sushi lover like we are, Ginza is amazing. All sushi is rolled to order with fresh seafood by sushi chef Danny Kwon.
1705 N. Dixie Avenue Suite 132, Elizabethtown
(270) 737-5535 www.ginzahibachi.com
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Claudia's Tea Room
Claudia’s Tea Room is owned and managed by Charles Thurman and his family. The property has been in the Thurman Family for as long as they can remember. The tea room was built in 1880, and the Thurman-Phillips Guest Home was later built in 1897. When dining at Claudia’s Tea Room, we suggest trying their Sweet Potato Biscuits and the Country Ham with Apple Butter. Claudia’s Tea Room uses many Kentucky-made products: Their ham is from Penn’s Country Ham in Liberty, Kentucky, and their teas from Elmwood Inn Fine Teas in Danville, Kentucky. Charles and his family love entertaining and hosting guests. His goal is to make them feel at home every visit. Guests can expect friendly service and delicious southern cuisine. Shown here are Kentucky Hot Browns, Shrimp & Grits, and Bourbon Bread Pudding—YUM. In honor of the lady of the house, Rose, napkins are folded in the perfect roses and set at every place setting.
107 Broadway Street, Sonora
(270) 268-6218
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Namaste
If you haven’t tried Indian food yet, Namaste is known for some of the best Indian food in Kentucky. The restaurant is a hidden gem in Elizabethtown. They have been in business since 2014 and are locally-owned by Laly Kumar and his family. They have owned restaurants in other cities, but they live here in Elizabethtown and are proud to bring authentic Indian fare to Hardin County. The family loves the people of Elizabethtown almost as much as my family loves their food. They’ve made great connections and enjoy seeing repeat customers and getting to know them. They have always made us feel welcome. Favorite dishes to try are Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandoori Chicken, and the Garlic Naan. The restaurant also features an Indian grocery if picking up food and cooking is more your style. Catering is available for local events!
1609 N. Dixie Highway #102, Elizabethtown
(270) 900-1129
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Dewster’s Homemade Ice Cream & Bakery
Dewster’s Homemade Ice Cream & Bakery started as a food truck in 2015. For years customers asked where their ice cream parlor was, and they didn’t have an answer. So, in 2018, they opened up their location in Elizabethtown. Kelly and Dewey Cruze, along with their children, run and own the parlor with the help of their pastry chef Rachel Wilson. The Cruze’s love meeting new people and seeing old friends who come in. If you haven’t tried Dewster’s ice cream yet or are looking for a unique flavor to try next time you go, we suggest the Lemon Pie or the Bourbon Ball. Both are customer favorites!
914 N. Mulberry Street, Elizabethtown
(270) 506-3045
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
WooHoo II
Have you ever tasted a Gyro? Leann Priddy, the owner of Woo Hoo II, knew the city of Elizabethtown needed a Greek restaurant. We couldn’t be more thankful. Woo Hoo has been open since 2012 and is family-owned. When asked what her favorite part of being a restaurateur is, Leann told us that she loves the people who come through her doors. Much of the clientele are regulars. She tells her employees that they only have a few minutes to turn people’s days around, which is part of their job at Woo Hoo. We recommend the Greek Salad, Gyro & Fries, and the Gyro Burger. In case you’re wondering or are nervous about placing your order and saying “gyro” wrong, we’ve got you covered. It’s “YEE-roh.” My personal favorite is the Sparta Plate with Gyro meat plus extra Greek Tzatziki sauce. Finish your meal with baklava, a rich, sweet dessert pastry made with flaky layers of dough filled with nuts and honey.
420 N. Mulberry, Elizabethtown
(270) 900-0214
Find them on Facebook!
Pizza Mavens
Pizza Mavens is a NEW pizza place on Leitchfield Road. Ron Bodner from Reuben’s Deli and Stacy Reynolds of Bourbon Barrel Tavern opened Pizza Mavens almost a year ago, bringing brick oven craft pizza to Elizabethtown. Every ingredient from the dough to the sauce is made in-house. At Pizza Mavens, you can order a New York-style thin crust as well as their “double dough” version for those who like a thicker crust. Of course, all of the pizzas are hand-tossed and then finished in a brick oven. Dining in is an option, but delivery is perfect for your next backyard pizza party or movie night. You can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas, but we recommend trying one of their calzones. Menu items are still being added: Be on the lookout for subs and new pasta options soon!
2957 Leitchfield Road, Elizabethtown
(270) 982-5566
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
The Cafe at Swope
The Cafe at Swope Toyota has been bringing smiles to local diners for the past five years. Kathy McCubbin, the general manager of Swope Toyota, wanted to open a restaurant up because it was unique—no other Toyota dealership in the country has a full restaurant. Since then, it has become a destination for everyone, whether you are looking to purchase a new Toyota, service your car, needing to buy some parts, or if you just want to meet some friends for lunch. After eating a delicious meal at The Cafe, Kathy suggests trying one of their homemade desserts, especially their carrot cake, Italian Cream, or their banana pudding. Don’t forget, The Cafe at Swope also offers catering for your next office luncheon or social event!
1085 N. Dixie Highway, Elizabethtown
(270) 505-4966
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Heartland Sports Pub
Heartland Sports Pub, located on the 18th hole of Heartland Golf Club golf course, opened in July of 2012. The current owner of the golf course asked Sharon and Ramin Hashemi if they were interested in running a restaurant at the course. They said yes, and have loved owning the restaurant and bar over the past eight years. The couple loves being outdoors every day; the restaurant features a large deck with ample outdoor seating with a view of the driving range. The staff are accustomed to making new friends with golfers who come in looking for an ice-cold beer or a bite to eat after playing eighteen holes or non-golf customers who are just looking for a great meal. Heartland Sports Pub has many favorites, but ours include the Jumbo Tater Tot Kegs, the Hangover Cure Burger, and the Crispy Chicken Tenders. Don’t forget to try one of their signature drinks!
850 Pine Valley Drive, Elizabethtown
(270) 900-1410
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Gulf Coast Connection
If you haven’t made it to Gulf Coast Connection in the past four years, you’re missing out. Barry Collier brings the ocean back from the Alabama coast every week, sharing a little salt and sea with our town. He and his wife currently live in Dauphin Island, Alabama, where they fish each week for fresh fish, shrimp, crabs, and crawfish to bring back to the restaurant and seafood grocery. The couple loves the small-town feeling that Elizabethtown offers. To them, their customers feel like friends and have gotten to be as close as family, whether they are coming in to enjoy a meal of boiled crustaceans complete with potatoes and corn on the cob, or shopping for fresh seafood to take home and cook for their families. In addition to fresh seafood, Gulf Coast Connection sells everything you need for a backyard seafood boil this summer from spices and seasonings to cocktail sauce. Fresh seafood arrives at the restaurant every Wednesday!
321 S. Mulberry Street, Elizabethtown
(270) 900-4134
Find them on Facebook!
2B Thai
Pitsanu Suravachirasak, otherwise known as Patrick, and his family originally opened 2B Thai in Louisville. Many of his customers were traveling up from Elizabethtown. At the request of customers, Patrick and his family moved to Elizabethtown and opened up their Ring Road location nine years ago, bringing an authentic Thai menu to Hardin County. Some customer favorites are the Crispy Garlic Black Pepper Chicken, Choo Chee Curry, and Pad Thai with Curry Sauce. Associate Editor Alex’s favorite is a must-try: Boba Tea is a milk-based tea with yummy tapioca balls—the 2B Thai version is topped with whipped cream and comes complete with a colorful wide straw.
3040 Ring Road, Elizabethtown
(270) 766-1408
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Wicked Eyed WOman
Deborah Koch and her son, Daniel, opened Wicked Eyed Woman in March of 2016; she had always wanted to open a restaurant, and jumped at the opportunity to when the City of Elizabethtown began discussions on the downtown revival. The Wicked Eyed Woman has a heavy English heritage with a Southern twist that influences their menu. Some of their most popular dishes include Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie. Also shown: “The Hood Burger” and a Smoked Poppy Seed Chicken Salad. The restaurant doubles as a bar on weekends. Signature drinks like their Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita are perfect for a summer night out on the town.
133 W. Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown
(270) 506-3210
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Vibe Coffee
Whether you’re catching up on homework, having a business meeting, or just stopping by in need of a quick caffeine fix, Vibe Coffee is a downtown favorite. The Erizer Family opened Vibe in July 2015; daughter Keeley wanted the people of Elizabethtown to experience the “small coffee shop feel” and had always dreamed of opening one. The coffee shop is open seven days a week and is run by Keeley and her husband, Matthew. Their favorite part of owning Vibe Coffee is working with family, meeting new people, and getting to know their customers and employees. When visiting Vibe, you should try their house coffee and one of their açaí bowls or some avocado toast. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, we suggest the Lavender Vanilla White Mocha (Latte)—iced is ideal for summer. We love the convenient location, inviting atmosphere, and that all of Vibe’s flavors and syrups are all-natural.
34 Public Square, Elizabethtown
(270) 506-3072
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Mark's Feed Store
Mark’s Feed Store has been in business for over 31 years. It was family-founded in 1988 by Mark Irwin. He bought Hancock Feed Store in Middletown and had the idea to combine the feed store with a BBQ restaurant, and Mark’s Feed Store was born. Customers love Mark’s ribs, pulled pork, honey wings, onion straws, and even their burgoo. Mark’s Feed Store loves being a part of the community here in Elizabethtown and enjoys being able to donate to a lot of local causes and charitable organizations. For your next birthday party or backyard event, Mark’s suggests picking up one of their picnic packages, which can feed anywhere from five to fifty people!
4021 N. Dixie Highway, Elizabethtown
(270) 506-0696
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Bourbon Barrel Tavern
Five years ago, Bourbon Barrel Tavern was opened by three local owners, Stacy Reynolds, Steve Smith, and Kevin Lowe, who grew up in Elizabethtown and attended school together. When the City of Elizabethtown made local bar licenses available for a limited amount of time, it was a no-brainer that downtown desperately needed a bar to get more people to the square. The mantra the owners lived by while building Bourbon Barrel Tavern was “Do It Right.” They wanted the bar to be done the “right” way, how they envisioned it—no shortcuts. They knew this was necessary for the bar to be a real asset for downtown and catalyze the revitalization efforts being made. Bourbon Barrel Tavern boasts a collection of over 540 bourbons, the largest collection in Hardin County. Bartender Brandon is a crowd-pleaser, to say the least; he can make any drink your heart desires, including the Bourbon’s Backyard Signature Drinks such as The Elizabeth and The Cannonball. Whether you’re seeking a rare bourbon, heading to happy hour with friends after a long day at the office, or you’re looking to turn up on the weekend while listening to live music, BBT is the place to be.
110 W. Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown
(502) 233-7591
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Back Home Restaurant
Back Home has been in Etown for over thirty-six years. Lori Fulkerson and her family own the restaurant; her mother passed it down to them seventeen years ago. Back Home started as a craft show on the square in downtown. Five years after its opening, the store was moved to its current location and only sold antiques and crafts—there was no original intention to become a restaurant. To occupy men so that they wouldn’t hurry women shopping, Lori’s mom set some tables out with some food, and eventually, it became the full-time restaurant and store it is today. Some customer favorites are the Kentucky Hot Brown, Lori’s Dad’s Meatloaf, and the Fried Green Tomatoes.
251 W. Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown
(270) 769-2800
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Amazin' Glazin' Donuts
John Rizer and his father, Jerry Rizer, had a dream of starting a donut shop. Fourteen years ago, Amazin’ Glazin’ Donuts was born and had grown to be Elizabethtown’s most popular spot for glazed breakfast pastries. John runs the donut shop with his wife, Dawn. As the owners, they love being a part of the Elizabethtown community and giving back to local causes. They uphold the small-town values important to making a business successful here. Next time you have a donut craving, Dawn and John recommend you try their Chocolate Angels, Apple Fritters, and of course, the plain Glazed Donuts. The menu always includes fun seasonal items: Popular summer flavors include Key Lime Pie and Orange Dreamsicle.
515 N. Mulberry Street, Elizabethtown
(270) 360-8571
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Green Bamboo
Green Bamboo has been an Elizabethtown go-to for Chinese food since it opened 37 years ago. Career restaurateurs, Maggie Wang and her family owned a restaurant in Taiwan before moving to Elizabethtown. They decided to carry on the family business in the United States with Green Bamboo after noticing a need for authentic Chinese cuisine in Hardin County. After nearly four decades, Maggie still loves working with her family and cultivating a welcoming family atmosphere for their guests. If you haven’t tried Green Bamboo yet or are looking for new menu items, we love the Mongolian Beef, Sesame Chicken, and Cream Cheese Fried Wontons.
902 N. Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown
(270) 769-3457
Find them on Facebook!
Flywheel Brewing
Flywheel has been crafting the best in local beer since November 2017. Owners Ashley, Aaron, and Josh are all Elizabethtown natives. The group saw a need for a brewery in this region and wanted to bring responsible drinking culture to the area. The location was selected to aid in the downtown revival. When asked his favorite menu item, Aaron stated, “THE BEER. All of the beer.” If he had to choose one, it would be the Mango Milkshake IPA, a perfect balance of bitterness from hops and sweetness from the mangos. Added lactose gives way to a creaminess making it an all-around great beer. Crafting beer is fun, but the owners love meeting the interesting and phenomenal people who come through their doors. They take pride in providing a space where anyone can feel welcome and ensure that their brewery is inclusive of all members of our community.
218 S. Mulberry Street Suite103, Elizabethtown
Find them on Facebook & Instagram!
Thanks so much for reading along and always for supporting local businesses in Hardin County. Share your own dining adventures and tag us at #elizabethtownlifestyle. If you don't already, check us out on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings with Elizabethtown Lifestyle and local community events. Speaking of events: REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND OUR BIRTHDAY PARTY. Issue 5 launches next week!
See you soon Elizabethtown!!
