Best Burgoo in Kentucky: Firehouse Sandwich Stop

The Firehouse Sandwich Shop, located at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, serves up a range of Kentucky favorites, including a hearty Kentucky burgoo made by local burgoo master Russ Kennedy.
Photo courtesy of Buffalo Trace Distillery

Hungry travelers in Owensboro craving a warming bowl of soup have two choices at Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, a bean soup and a hearty burgoo, both served with two cornbread muffins and crackers. This version comes with mutton, chicken and a variety of vegetables.
Photo courtesy of Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn / Facebook

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q began in 1918 when Charles “Pappy” Foreman began barbecuing mutton on a pit in Owensboro. Today, Old Hickory remains in the same family, though the menu has expanded. The burgoo’s meaty mutton flavor is balanced with a tomato tang.
Photo courtesy of Old Hickory Bar-B-Q / Facebook

Everything from Shack in the Back BBQ in Fairdale is homemade in their kitchen each day, and that includes the burgoo, available throughout the year.
Photo courtesy of Shack in the Back BBQ

A day at the races wouldn’t be complete without a cup of Kentucky burgoo, at least if you’re at Keeleland. The Keeneland Classic Burgoo features beef, potatoes, roasted corn and a serrano chile griddle cake on the side.
Photo courtesy of Keeneland

The folks at Dave’s Sticky Pig believe a good burgoo should be thick and hearty with a variety of meats. If you stick a spoon upright in the pot, it shouldn’t fall over. This version contains five smoked meats – pulled pork, beef brisket, pork ribs, ham and chicken – as well as plenty of seasoning for extra kick.
Photo courtesy of Dave's Sticky Pig

The famous burgoo from Mark’s Feedstore has been on the menu for more than three decades. This diner favorite is made with smoked chicken, pulled pork and beef brisket, as well as a variety of vegetables. It’s served with a warm sweet and savory corn muffin to help balance the heat.
Photo courtesy of Mark's Feedstore

The folks at Stella's Kentucky Deli in Lexington know that a spoon shouldn’t sink in a proper burgoo. This version is made with beef, pork, chicken, and lamb, alongside corn, beans and other veggies. It comes with mini corn muffins for soaking up the meaty juices.
Photo courtesy of Stella's Kentucky Deli

In Bardstown, Talbott Tavern puts their own spin on Kentucky burgoo by packing it with four types of meat, vegetables and a secret blend of spices with just the right amount of heat.
Photo courtesy of The Old Talbott Tavern

The burgoo from Knockum Hill Bar-B-Que in Herndon is hearty and meaty. Each batch is made with a whopping five pounds of pulled pork, as well as a variety of vegetables.
Photo courtesy of Knockum Hill Bar-B-Que