Bowling Green Downtown Dining: A Kentucky Guide

Photo Credit: JCP Eats

Bowling Green, Kentucky is most-regarded as the land of Corvettes, the inspiration for the hit by The Everly Brothers, home of Lost River Cave, and, of course, Western Kentucky University. However, Bowling Green is also a wonderful culinary destination in the Commonwealth of Kentucky! As such, I’m proud to present my Bowling Green Downtown Dining: A Kentucky Guide.

Photo Credit: JCP Eats

Bowling Green Downtown Dining: Kentucky Guide

Hickory & Oak: 705 State St, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Hickory & Oak is Bowling Green’s fine dining destination, featuring a multitude of seafood, steaks, and shareable sides. You’ll find this to be a unique offering to Southern Kentucky, as it provides the highest level of cuisine for the region. The best part? They feature a plethora of in-season, local ingredients on their menu when possible!

Mariah’s: 360 E 8th Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42101

For over thirty years, Mariah’s has been a mainstay of Downtown Bowling Green. The food is approachable, while also being comforting and flavorful. The menu is large and has options for all diners: foodies, casual dinners, families, and children.

Located in close proximity to the Bowling Green Ball Park, which is where you must catch a Bowling Green Hot Rods game, Mariah’s prides itself on being a destination: a meeting place for socializing, food, and libations.

440 Main: 440 Main St. Bowling Green, KY 42101

Photo Credit: JCP Eats

The building that houses 440 Main features two restaurants and two menus under the same roof. Micki’s on Main boasts live music and a casual bar + grill menu; 440, on the other hand, is a more upscale dining room. The best part? You can order from either menu, regardless of where you choose to sit/what atmosphere you desire that evening.

Gerard’s 1907 Tavern: 935 College St. Bowling Green, KY 42101

Whether you are visiting for lunch or dinner, make sure that Gerard’s 1907 Tavern is on your dining list when you visit Bowling Green. Located adjacent to Fountain Square Park on College St., Gerard’s is a small, cozy, intimate dining experience — perfect for a date night, meeting up with friends/family, or your colleagues from the Hill.

Photo Credit: JCP Eats

If you dine at Gerard’s 1907 Tavern, you will most likely hear about their burgers — and with good reason. My favorite is the GT Burger, which boasts Henry Bain’s Sauce, smoked gouda, house cole slaw, tobacco onions, and a brioche bun.

Photo Credit: JCP Eats

The Bistro: 1129 College St, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Photo Credit: JCP Eats

There’s no better place to finish a culinary tour de Bowling Green than at the Bistro, another favorite of mine. A couple of blocks down from Fountain Square Park is a Kentucky food oasis — a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the historic, restored 1893 Fletcher House. Locally-inspired, high-end, yet very comfortable — the Bistro is a shining star of the 270 region.

Photo Credit: JCP Eats

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