Morehead, Kentucky is a small Appalachian town nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest. It is most notably a college town, as it is the location of Morehead State University. The town is also frequented by nature and outdoors enthusiasts due to it's status as a Kentucky Trail Town and it's proximity to Cave Run Lake. I lived in Morehead for 4 years while I attended the university, so I have firsthand knowledge of the area. I miss living walking distance from a main street that is lined with small restaurants, bakeries, and shops. The people there value art, nature, and the aspect of community in a way that I've never seen before in Eastern Kentucky. I have eaten at nearly every restaurant in Morehead, and I am happy to share information about all the locally owned restaurants in the area! If you visit, don't be tempted by the fast food and chain restaurants. Give your business to any of these places, and I promise you'll have a unique and satisfying experience!
Coffee shops, cafes, and bakeries:
159 E Main St, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 7 AM - 8 PM
Sunday: Closed
The Fuzzy Duck Coffee shop, which is also a part of CoffeeTree Books Bookstore, is a local favorite to college students as well as members of the community. They serve locally-roasted special blend coffees, organic and non-organic teas, flavored coffees, breakfast, lunch, and pastries. The shop also sells beautiful locally-made pottery, espresso machines, tea pots, and coffee and tea accessories. The fuzzy duck also hosts events that are open to the public, including reading groups, knitting clubs, musical performances, children's story times, and more! If you can't tell from all of the pictures I have taken, this was one of my favorite spots in Morehead. It was the perfect place to grab coffee and pastries with a friend, or to get a healthy lunch to eat while you study. You can sit in the coffee shop side, or on the bookstore side of the shop. I personally loved sitting at the bar by the window. It lets in a lot of natural light during the day, and it's also by an outlet, so you can charge your laptop while you sip on a drink and work on school work. You should stop by and find you're own little corner of this business that has been cherished in Morehead for years.
134 E Main St, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Weekdays: 9AM - 3PM
Weekends: Closed
All seasons is a florist business in Morehead, but it also has a cafe that is open for lunch on weekdays. The menu has lunch classics like soups and sandwiches, but each day they feature a lunch special that they post on their Facebook page. The type of food varies; some specials I remember include the KY Hot brown, chili cheese coneys, bread bowl soups, fried chicken salads, and various other dishes. The cafe is small, but decorated in a charming way. It's a cute place to grab lunch, and at the end of the meal, check out the sweets in the dessert case!
313 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM
Saturday: 9AM - 4PM
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Root-a-Bakers is currently the only bakery open in Morehead (There were 3 when I went to school there). Everything I've ever eaten from here has been excellent. The lunch menu includes soups, sandwiches, quiches, and salads. My favorite was the loaded potato soup and chicken salad croissant (pictured above). They also bake various breads, pastries, and some of the best sugar cookies you will ever eat. My favorite dessert is the Raspberry almond cake, which is pictured above. It is the best cake I have ever had in my life, not even exaggerating. I want this cake to be my wedding cake someday, it is THAT good. If you are in Morehead, this place is a MUST. Pro-tip: if you let them know it's your first time visiting, they will give you a free sugar cookie to welcome you!
For Delivery or Meet up only
This business only just opened up in October. Owner Lori LeNoir White is a home baker that aims to change the way we view cookies. Her recipes are "re-vamped" versions of classic cookie recipes. Flavors that stood out to me were Wine-Lover's Dream (red wine and dark chocolate cookies) and Pina Colada Cookies (coconut, toffee, pineapple). If you want to learn more about this business, click on the linked website above!
Italian Cuisine
608 E Main St, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Monday- Thursday: 10:30AM–10PM
Friday: 10:30AM–11PM
Saturday: 11AM–11PM
Sunday: 11AM–9PM
Melini Cucina is a small chain of Italian restaurants. They have 4 locations, 3 of which are in Kentucky. This restaurant specializes in Authentic Italian Cuisine. Every table receives Italian bread sticks with Marinara at the beginning of the meal, and the menu is filled with classic Italian options. I've had a variety of pizza, pasta, and calzones from here, and I must admit that Melini's makes the best pizza you could find in Eastern Kentucky. The crust is similar to authentic Italian pizza (I've been there, so I'm not just saying this). I highly recommend this restaurant!
182 East Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday - Saturday: 11AM-10PM
Sunday: 11AM-5PM
While Melini's is known for authentic Italian food, Pasquales lands closer to the Americanized side of the Italian Food spectrum. While it has pizza, calzones, and baked pasta, the restaurant also serves sandwiches, fried foods, and the best cheese fries you will ever have. The fries have a layer of ranch poured on them, and then they are covered in melted cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. You would expect them to be soggy, but Pasquales has mastered the perfect ranch to fry ratio. You wont need any extra ranch with them, I promise. I'm also a big fan of the Kentucky Philly, which is their version of a cheese-steak sandwich, pictured above. Pasquales has been a Morehead staple for years, but they recently changed ownership. From what I've seen though, the menu has not changed much. Go get those cheese fries, ya'll!
Mexican Food
There are 3 Mexican restaurants in Morehead, and their menus are all so similar, it's hard to compare them. Everybody in town has their own favorite for personal/specific reasons. My favorite is Mi Monterrey. The service is good, the staff is friendly, and the food is delicious and not over-priced. La Finca is convenient to the college students because it is on Main Street and within walking distance of campus. It's the perfect place to grab some Margarita pitchers with friends! Don Señor is part of a small restaurant chain with 4 locations in Kentucky. The food is good, but it has the highest prices compared to the other restaurants in town. One cool thing about this place is that you can order fresh made guacamole and the waiters will make it right at your table! Overall, I believe you can have a good time at any of these restaurants. Who doesn't like Mexican food, right?
208 W Main St, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11AM–10PM
Friday - Saturday: 11AM–10:30PM
Sunday: 11AM–9PM
234 E Main St, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11AM–10PM
Friday: 11AM–10:30PM
Saturday: 12–10:30PM
Sunday: 12–9PM
140 Toms Dr, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 11AM–10PM
Friday and Saturday: 11AM–10:30PM
Japanese Food
125 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Monday: 3:30–9PM
Tuesday-Thursday: 11AM–9PM
Friday-Saturday: 11AM–10PM
Sunday: 12–9PM
Yamato was the first place I ever tried sushi, so it definitely has a special place in my heart. They are known for their modern interpretations of sushi and hibachi style dishes. I really enjoy the deep-fried sushi rolls, because that's not something you can get at every sushi place. If you enjoy this type of food, you will LOVE this restaurant!
408 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 11AM–9:30PM
Friday-Saturday: 11AM–10PM
Sunday: 12–9PM
When you frist hear that there is a great hibachi restaurant in a Valero gas station, it sounds a little far-fetched. Hibachi Express has proved themselves over the years by providing consistently good food. Whereas Yamato is a "sit-down" restaurant, Hibachi Express is more of a take-out place. They have an easy online ordering system on their website, and a drive thru pick up window. There are a couple of seats in the restaurant if you want to eat there. The food is typical Hibachi and sushi, but the prices are on the cheap side and the portions are large. The most expensive thing on the menu doesn't even break $14! This is perfect college kid food, trust me.
Chinese Food
There are two Chinese buffets in Morehead, which are listed below. The restaurants serve very similar dishes. China Cafe is located on Main Street, and has lower prices. China Star is farther away from the main part of town, but it has a lot more options, including American food (pizza, mac and cheese, rolls) for picky eaters. China Star also serves crab legs on the weekend with extra charge. That being said, the prices of this buffet are significantly higher than China Cafe, and the buffet prices are even higher on the weekends. When choosing between these restaurants, think about what matters more to you: price or buffet options.
228 W Main St, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Everyday: 10:30AM - 9:30PM
1340 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 10:45AM-10:00PM
Friday-Saturday: 10:45AM-11:00PM
Sunday: 11:45AM-10:00PM
Steakhouse and Barbecue
1695 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 11AM–10PM
Friday: 11AM–1:45AM
Saturday: 11AM–12AM
Sunday: 11AM–9PM
Reno's Roadhouse is a small franchise of restaurants, with 4 locations (2 in Kentucky). It is a steakhouse with a slight southwest flare. The food isn't different than most other steakhouses, but this is the only steakhouse in Morehead, so it has an advantage in this area. If you're craving a steak, Reno's is the place to get it!
110 Ky Highway 801 S Morehead, Kentucky
Open seasonally, Usually Mid-March to Early November
Hours:
Monday-Thursday10:30AM–8PM
Friday-Saturday: 10:30AM–9PM
Sunday: 12–7PM
Pop's Barbecue is a pillar in the Morehead community. It was once the only BBQ place in the area, and continues to be the most successful. Pop's is about a 10 minute drive from town, and considered one of the best places to eat near Cave Run Lake. I've spent many sunny days there, usually after a hike or a visit to the lake. Although this is a barbecue place, my favorite thing to order is the endless catfish special on Fridays. If you visit, make sure to finish off your meal with some of their hand-dipped ice-cream!
178 E Main St, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11AM–10PM
Friday-Saturday: 11AM–11PM
Sunday:11AM–5PM
Bluegrass Barbecue, established August 2018, is the newest restaurant in Morehead. It opened after I had moved out of town, so I never had the opportunity to visit this establishment. From what I've seen on Yelp, Facebook, and Google, the restaurant has received mixed reviews. If you want to take a chance and support a new business, I say go for it!
Ice-cream/Fro-yo
409 Flemingsburg Rd Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Closed Mondays Tuesday – Friday: Noon to 9:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: Noon to 10:00 p.m.
**Closes in winter**
Chickabiddy's is a Frozen Yogurt Franchise with 3 Kentucky locations. At Chikabiddy's, you build your own yogurt sundae by choosing from a variety of yogurt and sorbet flavors, and then add any of the toppings you want from the toppings bar. You pay based on the weight, so keep that in mind while you load up your sundae! I've visited this place on many a warm fall or spring day, and I think anybody would agree that Chickabiddy's is the perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy a slightly healthier alternative to ice-cream.
208 E Main St, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:30AM–6PM
Saturday: 9AM–5PM
Sunday: Closed
Holbrook Drug store is a locally owned pharmacy that believes in keeping traditions alive. Along with medical prescriptions, Holbrook's has a gift shop with merchandise that can only be described as a VARIETY. They carry brands such as Lily Pulitzer, Vera Bradley, and Kate Spade. There are also many nick-nacks and figurines, locally made food products (such as my favorite, Ruth Hunt Candies), school spirit items, Kentucky themed products, and more. The reason this store is on this list is for their nostalgic Soda and Ice-cream Fountain. They serve over 32 milkshake flavors, homemade fudge, and their own special orange-aide! Holbrook Drug Store embodies small-town charm and southern values. If you're in town, stop by to satisfy your sweet-tooth and browse the gift shop!
Nutrition Club:
170 East Main Street Morehead, Kentucky
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 7:00AM - 7:00PM
Friday: 7:00AM-6:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Headstrong Nutrition is a nutrition club that specializes in healthy meal replacement protein shakes. They have over 50 flavors available, and use Herbalife protein as the base. The shakes contain 20-25g of protein, 21 vitamins and minerals, and range from between 180-250 calories.They have a 3-step system: you begin with an aloe shot, next you choose an herbal tea, and finally you choose your shake. I tried the wedding cake meal-replacement shake, and I must say that it was delicious! Headstrong Nutrition also hosts FREE fitness camps for the community every Tuesday and Thursday! Headstrong Nutrition believes in living a healthier life, and aims to give the Morehead community the tools they need to accomplish this goal.
Where to Drink/Nightlife
109 N Wilson Ave, Morehead, KY 40351
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 6PM–12AM
Friday-Saturday: 6PM–1AM
Sunday-Monday:Closed
The Rock Taphouse, also called "The Rock", was established in December 2017 and has brought the community of Morehead a chill environment to have a drink and enjoy live entertainment! The Rock is located in what used to be a historic theater. They have 32 beers on tap, unique cocktails, and happy hour specials every day. They host events such as trivia and karaoke during the week, and on the weekends there are live performances by bands and artists. The Rock recently teamed up with Goodwood Brewing in Louisville to create their own beer, The Rock Taphouse Ale! This bar opened during the last week that I lived in Morehead, so I'm kind of sad that I didn't get to visit more often. Still, I'm glad that Morehead now has access to a Taphouse, because there are no other businesses with so much craft beer and musical performances in Eastern Kentucky! If you enjoy the Kentucky craft beer scene, go try The Rock Taphouse Ale, and enjoy some great music!
169 E Main Street Morehead, Kentucky
Hours:
Thursday: 8:00PM - 1:00AM
This bar, which was formerly known as "Roadies", is open one night a week, is geared toward college aged people and has a "dance club" vibe. It has a two bars, a dance floor, pool tables, and a patio. It's only open one night a week, so the place is usually pretty busy. If you want a place to dance, this is the club for you!
540 Hecks Plaza Dr Morehead, Kentucky
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 6:00PM - 1:00AM
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday: Closed
Frankie's Plaza, also known as "The Plaza", is a bar that is visited by both locals and college students. On Wednesday they have karaoke, and on Friday and Saturdays there are usually bands playing live music. They have a dance floor as well, but the music played and decorations give the place a country vibe.
Food Trucks
Check Facebook or Instagram for location and hours
Rise and Roll is a food truck that moves around the Morehead area. They specialize in handcrafted pizzas, sandwiches with roasted meats and veggies plus homemade artisan breads. The food truck runs from spring to fall, and during the winter the owners host cooking classes for the community. I have not had the opportunity to try their food yet, but I have heard nothing but great things! I plan to visit their truck when the spring season begins this year!
Check Facebook page for location and hours
This is another food truck that is based in Morehead that I never was able to try for myself. Nuttin' Butt Time serves various BBQ dishes and operates in the Morehead area. If you see their truck around town (pictured above), check it out, and let me know what you think!
And that completes my guide to eating local in Morehead, Kentucky! If you are from the area and notice that I missed anything, don't hesitate to email me! I am passionate about showcasing local businesses, and I will happily amend this post to do so.
Morehead is truly a light in the mountains, and I hope this post has inspired you to experience its glow. If you want to learn more about things to do in the area, check out The Morehead Tourism Website.
**Don't forget to subscribe at the bottom of the page! If you want to see more photos of delicious Kentucky food, follow me on Instagram @foodismythang
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