Restaurants in Natural Bridge/Red River Gorge Area?

We are heading out to a cabin in the woods in Natural Bridge (Slade, Kentucky) with the family. Any suggestions for any place good to eat in the area? We'll be cooking most of the time but we always enjoy sampling great local places (and we are willing to drive a bit extra for great food ).

Thanks,
Deb

Deb,
You have to stop by Miguel's Pizza (606) 663-1975. Good pizza and Ale 8. Plus every climber in the area stops in. I met folks from CA, WA, NY and Switzerland. It is quite the climbing mecca. I did not care much for the State Park food. This was after the big PR effort on the State Park system and revamping their menus, two years ago. There is also a neat little place in Beatyville called Phoebe's on Main Street. It is the most upscale restaurant in the area. I do not have a phone for them.
The area is really exploding as a climbing destination and with that brings off beat places.

Will,

Thanks for the suggestions, really glad to hear there are some choices. We chose it for the Nature, not the food and were kind of wondering if it was going to be like Eastern Kentucky- beautiful scenery but no place decent to eat. (Brian's from Harlan). Won't be doing any climbing though (just chasing) , we'll have our 4 year old in tow....

Thanks,
Deb

A 2nd nod for Miguels. I eat there every time I am in the area.

My vote is the dinner buffet at the lodge in Natural Bridge State Park! That's where we dine after a day of hiking. Also have been wanting to try Miguels for the reasons already noted in this thread - said to be frequented by other hikers, climbers, etc.

I'm from this area (Powell County). My family property manages several cabin companies up there!

Just a helpful hint- the last Kroger is at the Stanton exit- 11 miles before the Slade exit. Miguels is a must! Its a great place for climbers to hang out, but also, the family who owns/runs it takes amazing pride in their product. Other options for food- Rose's is one of my favorites. Its real down-home eastern kentucky food. Also, the Hemlock lodge at the Natural Bridge State Resort has a lunch and dinner buffet, as well as, a regular menu. Lots of Ale-8 around. For great homemade fudge -stop by the Ye Ole Country Peddler!

The scenery is the best around. You will not be disappointed! There are so many amazing trails within the area. Another hint- natural bridge is neat, but rock bridge is amazing. Everyone is very helpful in giving directions- so don't be afraid to ask!! Have a great time!

Hey Deb,
Any luck with food at the Gorge?

Will,

We carried out from Miguels, and that was a great suggestion! Interesting mix of people, and a massive amount of climbers were tent camping in the field behind the restaurant. Pizza tasted great with the beer from home, after a nice little hike down from the Sky Lift. Went to Ye Old Country Peddler for fudge (twice) and really regretting not having bought more to freeze/keep. I make my own fudge, but their Salt Nut Roll Fudge ( a seasonal specialty ) was out of this world!

By the way, the cabin we stayed in was fantastic (and very well priced) for a big group. We rented thru the Cabins of Birch Hollow- I'd highly recommend them.

Deb