Best Restaurants in Bowling Green, Kentucky

I have lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for more than 10 years. Bowling Green has a lot of restaurants, and I've eaten in many of them. We have a large variety of the national chain places, such as Outback and Ruby Tuesday's. Sometimes, though, it's nice to check out the local places, and I've done plenty of that as well. If you haven't checked out some of the local eateries Bowling Green has to offer, here are some suggestions for the next time you are looking to eat out.

Mariah's, 801 State Street. (http://www.mariahs.com/) Mariah's is one of my all-time favorite places to eat. This place has it all: great appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and steaks. The Blackened Chicken Sandwich is wonderful. The Hawaiian Rib-eye is incredible. This steak is marinated in soy sauce, ginger and pineapple juice and served with grilled, sliced pineapple. This is one of the three best steaks I've ever had. The atmosphere is also quite lovely. This is certainly the most "formal" restaurant on my list. The restaurant is located in an old brick house in downtown. The interior features murals painted on the walls that are gorgeous. If you've never visited Mariah's, treat yourself tonight. It's worth going.

Vincent's Bagels & Bites, 1660-A Scottsville Road. Vincent's is a kind of "hole-in-the-wall" sandwich place which serves breakfast and lunch. For breakfast, they make their own bagels. They generally have 12 to 15 different flavors to choose from. They also serve breakfast sandwiches, which I've had and like. They have a variety of sandwiches for lunch, but if you want all you can eat and then some, try the meatball sandwich. I have a big appetite and I couldn't finish this one, and it's really tasty as well. Vincent's is very reasonably priced and worth finding.

Chaney's Dairy Barn, 9191 Nashville Road. (http://www.chaneysdairybarn.com/) Chaney's is known for their ice cream. Made on site from ingredients gathered locally, including fruit from nearby Jackson's Orchard and milk from their own dairy farm, this is some of the best ice cream you'll ever eat. In addition, they also serve a small selection of sandwiches and soups. They ocassionally have live entertainment on summer evenings. Chaney's has added a second location on Fairview Avenue which serves only ice cream, which is more convenient for those who live in Bowling Green or to the north.

Buckhead Café, 760 Campbell Lane. (http://buckheadcafe.net/) Buckhead Café is a spin-off of Mariah's, mentioned above. While some of their menu items are very similar, they do cater more to the casual crowd and their prices are a little more reasonable. They serve soups, salads, sandwiches and pizza, all of which are excellent.

Split Tree Barbeque, 115 Wilson Road, Alvaton. Split Tree specializes in traditional pulled-pork barbecue. It is the best this author has ever had. Perfect texture, perfect flavor. They make their own sauce, which is a nice balance of the stronger vinegar-based sauces and the sweetness of a tomato-based sauce. And the prices can't be beat. You can get a half-pound of pulled-pork with 2 cornbread pancakes for under $5. The do serve ribs and chicken as well, and your traditional barbecue side dishes, like potato salad and beans. This one is a little way out of town, but well worth the drive. You won't regret it.

Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q, 2520 Louisville Road. Smokey Pig is not your traditional barbecue place. Their specialty is "Monroe County barbecue," which is a smoked slice of pork shoulder with their own signature sauce, either "dipped or poured." This is definitely a different barbecue experience, and an excellent one at that. Smokey Pig also serves ribs (some of the best I've ever had and any price, and these are VERY reasonable) and pulled pork with traditional sides, including macaroni and cheese. Don't visit on Sunday or Monday, as they are closed, and don't expect a late dinner (they close at 7:00).