Top Three Burger Joints in Eastern Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky is a great place to live. We have beautiful hills, scenic lakes, and the friendliest people you will ever meet. We also have some really great places to eat. And I'm not talking about the big chain restaurants, although we do have most of those, also. I'm talking about good old-fashioned burger joints.

A good burger joint is one where you can stop in and order a burger no matter what you are wearing. Jeans, shorts, or even muddy boots and greasy pants are never out of place in a true burger joint. It's the kind of place that is more about the food than what you are wearing. It's the type of place that caters to working people, students, or families with messy little kids.

Here in Eastern Kentucky we are lucky enough to have several tried and true burger joints. Two of my favorite places have been around for years. The third one is a new place, open for only a few months now, but it is growing in popularity, especially with truckers and local area businesses.

Most people who have traveled U.S. 23 between Floyd and Pike Counties are aware of the Betsy Layne Dairy Bar. This little burger joint has been around as long as I can remember. It has changed ownership once or twice, but the same great service and food has continued throughout the years. The Dairy Bar is located just off U.S. 23 at Betsy Layne. There's no large sign out near the highway advertising the place, but many people seem to find it. Just slow down at the red light, look either left or right, depending on which direction you're traveling and you should be able to spot it. The Dairy Bar offers curb side service only, but does provide outdoor tables in the summer for you to sit and enjoy your mouthwatering food. And believe me, it is just that. The hamburgers are alway fresh; the onion chips are to die for, and the milkshakes are thick and creamy. Of course, they serve other meals as well as hamburgers, but you really need to taste one of their burgers.

The next time you pass through the Betsy Layne area, make a point to stop and check out this great little dairy bar. Lunch will truly be one of the best treats you've ever found for under six dollars.

Another well known burger joint is located in downtown Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Billy Ray's Restaurant is another favorite with people of all ages. School kids, business owners and employees, and retirees make up the clientele. This restaurant, located on Front Street in Prestonsburg, is a classic example of a true burger joint. The restaurant is decorated with memorabilia from the Prestonsburg area. It also offers a variety of meals, but is best known for its hamburgers. A thick, juicy burger, french fries, and a drink will cost you five dollars. You can't beat that at the big chain restaurants.

The last burger joint is a new place, just opened at Banner, Kentucky. It's called Loretta Lynn's Kitchen and Carryout. This burger joint is located in an old store. It has the original old oak floors, scarred and scratched with history. Here you can order a hamburger or cheeseburger as well as pick up a six pack of cola or cold beer to go. The hamburgers are thick, juicy and delicious. The onion rings are real battered onions, not the fake type, and deep-fried a golden brown. The kitchen area is open so you can watch your food being prepared. The price for a scrumpious hamburger, fries and a drink is around six bucks. You can't beat those prices anywhere.

So, the next time you're traveling through Eastern Kentucky near Prestonsburg, take time out to enjoy one of these burger joints. They are truly the best this side of the Mississippi River. If you have any trouble finding them, just stop and ask. I'm sure you'll find someone to direct you to one of them.