We’ve seen many mixed reviews of the Briarpatch restaurant in Owensboro, KY and with good reason.   Our own experience was mixed as well, but overall, the Briarpatch is a good place to dine.

2760 Veach Rd
Owensboro, KY 42303-6219
(270) 685-3329

Probably the biggest draw to the Briarpatch is their salad bar.    We found it to be very fresh and when you add that they have everything from fresh cheeses to eggs, real bacon, cucumbers, real bacon, tomatoes, carrots, more fresh vegtables and did I mention real bacon?    You can build a salad that even a guy like myself will enjoy.

The mixed review however comes with their steaks.    We ordered the filet mignon and the prime rib.    The filet was excellent and cooked perfectly.   However, the prime rib was over cooked and was probably one of the worst prime ribs that I’ve ever had.     

For the desert lover they have an excellent selection of deserts although on the night we were there we were disappointed with their carrot cake.

We will probably return to visit this Owensboro establishment again, but will avoid the prime rib.

Best Travel Tip:   Be sure to try the soups with your salad bar.

Although there are several Bar-B Q restaurants in Ownesboro, for most locals there are only two of which one is:

Old Hickory Pit Bar-B Q
338 Washington Ave
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-9000

The smoked chicken, mutton, pork and beef are hard to beat in Western Kentucky. If you are looking for a tasty sauce on the table to season your bar-b-q — FORGET IT! At Old Hickory, you’ll find a vinegar based sauce that is — well, mostly vinegar.

Yes, the Bar-B-Q at Old Hickory can compete with any Bar-B-Q in town — and it may be the best.   Sure, locals will take sides as to which place in Owensboro serves the best, but in our opinion there are two items that don’t get any  better in Owensboro than at Old Hickory:

• Sliced Turkey.  There is probably not another place in town that services smoked turkey like Old Hickory.   Not only is it tender and juicy, it has just the right amount of smokiness to it as well.

 

• There is one dish that Old Hickory has mastered and in which there is no equal:   Burgoo

We’ve tried burgoo at about every establishment in Owensboro and have tried it at the local Bar-B-Q festival held each year and, without doubt, Old Hickory is the place to go.