Owensboro BBQ or Diner

Howdy,

We'll be traveling from Chicago to Eldorado, IL to Owensboro, KY next week and we're hoping to stop for lunch with the kids somewhere in Owensboro. I've read about Moonlite Bar-B-Q, Shady Rest, and Old Hickory. Shady Rest being no more and the other two appear overrated according to what I've read on Chowhound and the like. Anyone here have a suggestion? Furthermore if there is a great southern diner or cafe in Owensboro we'd rather do that than mediocre BBQ. Thanks!

- Joe

Moonlite can only be overrated if your expectations are out of line! Seriously, I think you should go to Moonlite - have some of their legendary mutton and enjoy the scene. (Former Owensboro resident)

Another one to consider is George's Barbecue - 1346 East Fourth St. - (270) 926-9276. When I lived in Owensboro, that's the place folks went to for REAL 'cue. I personally opted for Old Hickory, but mostly because it was close to work. As for Moonlite, I prefer the side dishes on their buffet to the meat itself -- though I agree with TP that Moonlite is worth the trip just for the experience of an absolute food overdose. Enjoy your trip and let us know where you ended up!

Paige (another former O'boro person)

It sort of depends on what you prefer. All of the BBQ is good not mediocre but not stellar either. If you want big buffet style, that would be Moonlite. It is regular blaa average buffet sides with good BBQ. Old Hickory is my preference for ribs but it is an "a la carte" type of place, unless I remember wrong? It's been a year or two. I don't eat the mutton, tastes weird to me but it is worth the try if you have never had it. I would agree with what you read though. I think they are overrated but perception is everything. I would recommend you go in as a skeptic. I figured if you go in with low expectations, you will leave happy. You will definately leave with a big question mark if you go in with high hopes.

From the people I have talked to from Owensboro, they go to Ole Hickory and the tourists go to Moonlite.
Having been at both, I would go for the mutton at Ole Hickory.

Joe

Ole Hickory without a doubt. Moonlite is a mere shadow of its former glory. It reminds me of Claudia Sander's now.

Moonlite is a mere shadow of its former glory. It reminds me of Claudia Sander's now.

Oh, come on, now ... that's a bit strong.

Moonlite is a mere shadow of its former glory. It reminds me of Claudia Sander's now.

Oh, come on, now ... that's a bit strong.

Ed's is a great analogy. Also, I too preferred Old Hickory over Moonlite, but if you're into buffet, it's Moonlite. Actually, I liked Shady Rest but, alas, it's gone Mexican. I've never tried George's, but I have noticed that there always seem to be a lot of cars there.

Old Hickory! Yum! Have not been to O'boro for o few years, but that is where I would go...

-Moonlite is tourist BBQ. I am not a fan, but their catered stuff is good.
-Shady Rest is now a Mexican restaurant.
-Georges, Old Hickory, and Old South are all outstanding, but you'll probably like the atmosphere of Old Hickory the best.

As for diners, give The Royce a try. It is so much more palatable and pleasant now that there is no smoking. There are other good diners around town, but last I recall, many of them have a "no one under 18" policy in order to get around the smoking ordinance. The Royce does not.

Windy Hollow has the best breakfast buffet I've ever had...seems as though there was a fire, though, and I'm not sure what the status of that place is. O'Bryan's is also outstanding. Both of these places would be quite a schlep, though.

You could also do Wyndall's Wonder Whip or the Dipper.

-Moonlite is tourist BBQ. I am not a fan, but their catered stuff is good.
-Shady Rest is now a Mexican restaurant.
-Georges, Old Hickory, and Old South are all outstanding, but you'll probably like the atmosphere of Old Hickory the best.

As for diners, give The Royce a try. It is so much more palatable and pleasant now that there is no smoking. There are other good diners around town, but last I recall, many of them have a "no one under 18" policy in order to get around the smoking ordinance. The Royce does not.

Windy Hollow has the best breakfast buffet I've ever had...seems as though there was a fire, though, and I'm not sure what the status of that place is. O'Bryan's is also outstanding. The diners & drive-through in Fordsville & Whitesville are also worthy. All of these places would be quite a schlep, though.

You could also do Wyndall's Wonder Whip, Garys, or the Dipper if you're up for drive-in within city limits. (Dipper burgers have fallen, but people still swear by them, though.)

Colby's or the Briarpatch are comparable in price to casual chain restaurants but have better food and more character. Go to Andria's Candies for your coffee needs. Famous Bistro had good lunchy-type food including baklava and gyros, but it's been probably about 10 years since I've eaten there.