Hey, y'all! I was recently in Shelby County trying some new-to-me local restaurants and was astounded at the quality of BBQ dishes around the county. Like, mouthwatering good. Write your MeeMaw good. Praising the Lord good, y'all. And I couldn't help but to think to myself... I think all foodies need to have a BBQ-packed day in Shelby County! Thus, I present to you: the Shelby County BBQ Trail!
This post is in partnership with ShelbyKY Tourism Commission and Visitors Bureau. Thank you all for supporting those that make JCP Eats possible. All opinions expressed are my own. Originally posted October 2019, updated June 2021.
Shelby County BBQ Trail: Kentucky Food Adventure
Grab a BBQ Sandwich and a side of Apple Cole Slaw at Mulberry Orchard: 1330 Mulberry Pike Shelbyville, KY 40065
Mulberry Orchard is known for being a locally-owned and operated farm in Shelby County that produces 17 different types of apples (more on that later); that said, they also have other fruits, amazing produce/merchandise (I had the best sugar baby watermelon from the store!), and an on-site café that serves up some delicious BBQ. You'll want to grab the Orchard Pulled Pork Sandwich, which is flavorful BBQ with incorporated apple pieces, all served on a pretzel bun; and, of course, you have to get the Honey and Apple Coleslaw on the side!
Enjoying the Shelby County BBQ Trail? Check out my other blog posts here!
Ken-Tex BBQ: 1163 Mount Eden Rd. Shelbyville, KY 40065
Ken-Tex has been serving up Texas-style BBQ since 1984 - and with one bite, you'll realize that they are not amateurs! The name, Ken-Tex, was a natural choice: A Shelbyville girl (Ken) met and married a Texas police officer (Tex); together, they opened the business. Though the original owners sold the business, Ken-Tex is still family-owned and operated. You'll want to grab some of the brisket, as it was fantastic. Come for the rotisserie pit, hickory-smoked BBQ (you'll smell the deliciousness!); stay for a helping (or two!).
Enjoying the Shelby County BBQ Trail? Check out my other blog posts here!
B&N Food Market: 5945 Elmburg Rd. Bagdad, KY 40003
B&N Food Market was my favorite stop of the trip, hands down. This food market has been family-owned and operated since 1970. B&N is famous in Bagdad, KY - and with good reason. Upon walking in, you know this is a spot for locals to eat, to converse, and (I'm sure) to solve the world's problems. I know for a fact that I plan to spend a lot of time in the future here - and I'd love for them to cater my next party.
Why will B&N cater my next party? Two words: the brisket. It was THE BEST that I have ever had, and I do not say that lightly. Brisket is my favorite form of BBQ and B&N's almost brought tears to my eyes. Get it. Run, don't walk.
Enjoying the Shelby County BBQ Trail? Check out my other blog posts here!
Apart from the brisket, I also ordered the ribs, smoked turkey, pulled pork, and a bean soup. Every morsel was finger-lickin' good.
B&N is famous in the community for their Newt Burger, which I also tried (all of the food, am I right?). Two thumbs up! If you love burgers like me, order one... along with your BBQ!
Pro tip: When visiting, make sure you say "Howdy!" to Buckshot, the owner. He's a great guy and I really enjoyed the time that I got to spend with him. Tell him that I sent ya!
Red Lion: 525 Washington St. Shelbyville, KY 40065
I'm no stranger to the Red Lion - I've been a couple of times and it has been a lovely experience time and time again. The small, intimate, Tudor-style pub is the perfect spot to meet up with friends; the atmosphere is warm and inviting - and the food is great!
Through my visits to the Red Lion, I have noticed that their menu rotates. That said, on my last visit, I was able to order pulled pork poutine. Poutine is a Canadian dish that is comprised of french fries and cheese curds, topped with a brown gravy. The Red Lion made it even more decadent with pulled pork - because, well, why not?
Enjoying the Shelby County BBQ Trail? Check out my other blog posts here!
Love BBQ, adventure, and local food? Look no further than Shelby County, KY. Do visit and plan to stay - take a seat, grab a glass of sweet tea, and have an appetite, y'all!
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
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Enjoy the Shelby County BBQ Trail? Check out my other blog posts here!
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