In addition to family friendly attractions, Shelbyville has great dining options for families. These well-established local restaurants boast an eclectic blend of American, Italian, Mexican, regional, and more. The following are favorites of locals and visitors alike; they offer menus that aim to please even the youngest diners.
Claudia Sanders Dinner House
Claudia Sanders Dinner House serves lunch and dinner, offering an assortment of regional and American fare. (In case you’re wondering, the former owner Claudia was indeed Colonel Sanders’ wife.) From crispy fried chicken to soups, salads, steak, and the classic Kentucky Hot Brown, their menu has something to offer diners of all ages. If you can’t decide, sample an assortment of their menu items through their lunchtime buffet. Dine in or carry out, they’re open from 11 am – 8 pm Tuesday through Sunday. A longtime local landmark, they’re located at 3202 Shelbyville Rd.
Contact info: (502) 206-3318, https://www.americanrestaurantshelbyville.com/
Hometown Pizza
A local favorite, Hometown Pizza serves up appetizers, pizza, sandwiches and wraps, salads, breadsticks, and more. Monday and Tuesday after 4 pm kids eat free. Wednesday night is Family Night, with a free small order of breadsticks with the purchase of any large pizza at regular menu price. Weekday lunch specials include an individual pizza and house salad. Situated at 1635 Mount Eden Road, Suite 1, they’re open Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm, Friday – Saturday 11 am – 11 pm. Whether you dine in or carry out, be sure and order at least one side of their delicious garlic butter for dipping.
Contact info: (502) 633-7900, https://www.hometownpizza.com/
Fire Fresh Barbecue
They’re all about the barbecue at Fire Fresh, with a savory assortment of pulled pork, wings, steak, ribs, and chicken. From mild to wild, they offer a range of sauces with your preferred heat levels. Sides include seasoned fries, coleslaw, green beans, baked, mashed, or sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, and more. Currently carry out only, their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 11 am - 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am – 9 pm, and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. You’ll find them serving up their delicious American fare at 81 Jeanie Drive.
Contact info: (502) 647-7675, https://www.facebook.com/FireFreshBBQShelbyville
Marimba’s Mexican Restaurant
Located at 2059 Midland Trail, Marimba’s is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Menu options include something for everyone - authentic Mexican dishes such as burritos, tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and more with chicken, beef, vegetarian, and other healthy options. They feature a special lunch buffet Fridays and Sundays from 11 am - 2:30 pm, as well as additional lunch specials Monday through Friday. Marimba’s offers dine in, pickup, delivery, and catering services.
Contact info: (502) 647-1990, https://www.facebook.com/Marimbasrestaurant/
Cracker Barrel
Dine in or carry out, Cracker Barrel’s down-home fare offers consistent comfort food for the whole family. Serving breakfast all day, your pancake lovers can eat till their heart’s content. In addition, they offer a delicious assortment of sandwiches, salads, roast beef, fried chicken, burgers, sides, and even Lil’ Barrel Cheeseburgers from the kids’ menu. Open from 6 am – 10 pm, Cracker Barrel is suited to your early risers and night owls, and everyone in between. Located at 1565 Mount Eden Road, they’re located just off Interstate 64 for easy access, whether you’re local or just passing through.
Contact info: (502) 633-9945, https://www.crackerbarrel.com/
McKinley’s Bread Shop and Deli
Located at 615 Main Street in downtown Shelbyville, McKinley’s has been a local favorite for 25+ years. Serving up delicious lunches, sides, breads, and desserts, they offer a sumptuous variety of soups, subs, wraps, and “chef-crafted sandwiches” with a hometown flair. Open Monday – Saturday 10:30 am – 3 pm. Be sure to check out their daily specials, and if you’re too full to eat dessert there, get some to take home. You’ll be glad you did.
Contact info: (502) 647-1665, https://www.facebook.com/MckinleysBreadShopDeli/
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