Are you looking for the best Red River Gorge restaurants?
The Red River Gorge might feel remote, but it still has some awesome places to eat. This Kentucky gem offers plenty of things to do for outdoor enthusiasts, like cave kayaking, and family-friendly hiking. And, after all of that, you’re sure to work up some hunger!
Thankfully, you have plenty of options for places to eat in Red River Gorge. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Italian, or traditional pub fare, there is something for you. And if you have a sweet tooth, there are a few places to take care of that, too!
If you’re looking for a delicious restaurant in Red River Gorge, we have a list of 10 places that will satisfy your needs. So, let’s check them out!
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Best Restaurants in Red River Gorge
1. Thatcher Barbecue Company
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 918 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376 | 🌭 KID’S MENU: YES
When you are in the southern territory, you know you’re in for some good barbecue. And Thatcher Barbecue Company has it!
With traditional barbecue options like pulled pork, pulled chicken, ribs, and beef brisket, you’ll want to come hungry to this awesome restaurant. It’s really close to Natural Bridge State Resort Park, so it’s the perfect stop after a hike.
They also have fun options like loaded baked potatoes and street tacos. And their kids’ menu has pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, as well as PB&J for those with picky palates.
“My husband got the brisket and he said it was delicious “melt in your mouth” and the hash brown casserole and potato salad were amazing. I got the nachos and they were AMAZING! definitely glad we stopped and ate here while visiting Red River Gorge!“
2. Miguels Pizza
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 1890 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376 | 🌭 KID’S MENU: NO
A relaxed pizza restaurant, Miguels Pizza is always a highly rated restaurant in Red River Gorge.
Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Miguels is a good stop before or after your adventures in Red River Gorge, like the Gorge Underground. The counter-service restaurant offers pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and salad. So everyone in your party will find something they will enjoy.
“I am from New Jersey, and this region is blessed with the best pizza. I don’t often find pizza that is appealing to me when travelling, but this place has delicious pizza! Also my salad was huge! Fun atmosphere, kind staff. Went in the off-season, was quick no wait for a table. Very busy place in warmer months. Will stop there again if in the area.”
3. Sky Bridge Station
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 20 Sky Bridge Road, Pine Ridge, KY 41360 | 🌭 KID’S MENU: Yes
Sky Bridge Station is an unassuming restaurant in Red River Gorge that offers traditional pub fare with a twist. You can get hot dogs done up in various styles, hamburgers, quesadillas, and sides like baked beans and hummus.
The children’s menu features kid favorites like grilled cheese and hot dogs.
Sky Bridge Station is right at the bottom of Sky Bridge Road, perfect for a stop after you’ve hiked many of the amazing trails in Daniel Boone National Forest. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, making a great place to sit, relax, and enjoy the view.
“Good spot to grab some pub style food. A nice and simple menu with a little bit of everything on the menu including burgers and hot dogs. A decent selection of kentucky draft beers. A good atmosphere for relaxing after a hike.”
4. The Brick
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 5412 KY-15 N, Pine Ridge, KY | 🌭 KID’S MENU: No
The best place to cool off after a hike in Red River Gorge is The Brick, right across the street from Sky Bridge Station.
The Brick offers delicious cool treats like banana splits, smoothies, iced coffee, and hand-scooped ice cream. They even have vegan ice cream!
While you’re there, take the time to shop the beautiful pottery pieces for sale.
“The portions here are generous! The strawberry cheesecake ice cream was freaking amazing! You definitely have to stop here if you’re in the New River Gorge area. You won’t regret it! The little shop is quaint and has an awesome atmosphere.“
5. La Cabana Mexican Restaurant
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 1289 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376 | 🌭 KID’S MENU: Yes
Another popular and highly rated restaurant near Natural Bridge State Resort Park, La Cabana offers popular Mexican dishes like burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and more. You can also celebrate your day of hiking with a delicious margarita.
Their kids’ menu is varied, featuring tacos and quesadillas, as well as other kid favorites like chicken fingers and hamburgers.
They have indoor and outdoor seating that faces the river, so it’s a relaxing and fun place to eat. They even have a small gift shop to pick up a souvenir.
“Definitely a place to go when coming to Red River Gorge! The food was amazing, the staff was excellent, the margaritas were very good! Large portions so if you leave hungry you didn’t do it right.”
6. Daniel Boone Coffee Shop
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 769 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376 | 🌭 KID’S MENU: Yes
More than just a coffee, Daniel Boone Coffee Shop is a perfect stop for a quiet breakfast or lunch.
For breakfast, they offer breakfast sandwiches, eggs and waffles, and biscuits and gravy, to name a few. Lunch options include paninis, sandwiches, and grilled cheese. They even have kid-sized PB&J and quesadillas.
Although you can get coffee in all sorts of styles, they also have smoothies, milkshakes, and even cocktails on the drink menu. It’s a perfect one-stop-shop in Red River Gorge.
“Delicious breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel, for a reasonable price. Attractive, comfy nature atmosphere.”
7. Red River Rockhouse
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 4000 KY-11, Campton, KY 41301 | 🌭 KID’S MENU: Yes
Red River Rockhouse is a family-owned restaurant whose goal is to support local farmers. They were recognized by the Appalachian Regional Council as being one of the top farm-to-table cafes in the Appalachia region!
The menu at Red River Rockhouse isn’t large, but it’s varied, with offerings like burgers, tacos, and hummus wraps. You can even order a kid-sized version of items on the menu for a discounted price.
Red River Rockhouse closes in the winter months. For 2024, they will re-open in April.
8. Red Point BBQ
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 356 Smith Rd, Campton, KY 41301| 🌭 KID’S MENU: No
Another highly-rated barbecue restaurant in Red River Gorge, Red Point BBQ, has everything you could want in a Southern barbecue restaurant. Their menu includes pulled pork and brisket, but also catfish and hot chicken. And their sides menu has everything and anything you want to compliment those dishes.
One of the best reasons to visit Red Point BBQ is their outdoor patio. It is large and offers incredible views of the surrounding area.
Red Point also has a nice selection of bourbon and mixed drinks.
“Best place in RRG by far! We eat here every visit (sometimes multiple times). My favorite entree is the catfish. The broccoli salad is always on point. The mac and cheese is to die for. My fiancé has a new favorite: the ribs. The cocktails are worth the extra wait. Be sure to save room for the peach cobbler.”
9. The Wicked Wolfe
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 301 Mountain Parkway Spur, Campton, KY 41301| 🌭 KID’S MENU: Yes
Down the street from the Red River Gorge Inn, the Wicked Wolfe is a take-out restaurant located next to a pay lake in Campton. They have a covered area with a few picnic tables to eat your food there, or you can take it to go. They also deliver!
The Wicked Wolfe menu is varied with offerings like burgers, steak sandwiches, pizza, quesadillas, and fish sandwiches. They also have hot dogs and chicken fingers for the kids.
“The food was beyond delicious, and the service was fast and friendly. Beautiful outdoor eating area by a lake.”
10. Kel’s Patriot Pizza
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 133 KY-15, Campton, KY 41301| 🌭 KID’S MENU: Yes
Another pizza place near Red River Gorge, Kel’s Patriot Pizza, has everything from pizza to hoagies to their “kelzones.” You can order traditional pizza topping or try one of their specialties, like chicken bacon and ranch.
In addition to all of that, their daily specials are sure to make your mouth water. You can grab a more substantial meal like meatloaf and chicken pot pie.
The kids’ menu is small but has options that kids will want, like a small pizza or chicken fingers.
Their small indoor dining area is relaxed. Or you can eat on their covered porch outside.
“Kel’s has become our favorite spot! My kids beg to eat here all the time. The staff is always friendly and checks up on us frequently. The food is wonderful! Every experience we’ve had here has been great! I love that places like this are still around! Highly recommend!”
Restaurants in Red River Gorge Wrap-Up
Even though the Red River Gorge can feel isolated, you won’t have a hard time finding a great place to eat. With many restaurants close to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Gorge Underground, you have plenty of options to recharge and refuel after hiking or kayaking.
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