Known for vegetarian fare, this casual establishment near the UK also satisfies carnivores with its menu's wide-ranging scope. For more than a generation, the place has offered healthy alternatives to favorite dishes, serving everything from quiche to chicken and salmon, not to mention plenty of vegetable accompaniments and side dishes. Desserts are available, and theme nights are held regularly, expanding the menu and the fun. You'll also find a terrific weekend brunch and occasional live entertainment.

A little funky, sporting a bit of an edge, Anna Belle's gives tradition a kick in the pants at this creative restaurant, located just across from the new courthouse. While you'll recognize many of the components of the menu, they've been reconfigured into something more intriguing. Kentucky egg rolls, for instance, update an Asian standard with barbecue and cole slaw, and the house meat loaf goes uptown with a dash of truffle oil. You can also find strong basics like steak and fruit-dressed pound cake.

Simple and laid-back, this local joint takes pride in its Western Kentucky-style barbecue, which is slow-cooked pork shoulder, pulled from the bone, chopped and sauced up, and often served on grilled bread. It's good alright, but they also do beef brisket, mutton (a local, robust delicacy), baby back ribs, and will even serve you chicken or a burger if you so desire. Sandwiches and plates can both be had, and you'd do well to add in some Mexican corn bread or an order of "frickles" (deep-fried pickles, for the uninitiated!).

Outside, copper-wrapped, iridescent glass baubles hang over Bistro 147's entrance. Inside, dark red plaster walls and black-and-white-checked vinyl tablecloths accompany a melange of artwork. At lunch, the menu features croissant sandwiches, hot entrees, and soups and salads. Dinner brings on such dishes as barbecued game hens, crab cakes, duck stir fry, seafood crepes, pastas, and ribeye steaks. A small wine list provides complements for main courses.

Brightly painted and adorned with bold art, this little eatery delivers classic Cajun fare at incredibly reasonable prices. Entrees ring up at $6 each, which is an amazing bargain considering the zesty, well-portioned dishes you get. Jambalaya often goes fast, thick with sausages and chicken, but you can also indulge in gumbo, red beans, crawfish, etouffee, and more. A half-dozen options stay on the menu, supplemented by daily specials. If you want to try a couple of different items, they'll supply you with two half-orders for just $6.