How do you burgoo? Unless you happen to have spent time in Kentucky’s “burgoo belt,” you might not be familiar with this highly regional stew that’s a staple on the menu of barbecue joints throughout the state. This dish has competing origin stories; some say that it came from Wales and found its way to Kentucky via Virginia. Others claim it was created by French chef Gustave Jaubert while serving a Confederate general in 1860. There are multiple variations of the dish as well, with meats ranging from beef, chicken, pork and mutton to pigeon, rabbit and squirrel finding their way into the stew pot.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Burgoo in Kentucky are as follows:
- Firehouse Sandwich Stop - Buffalo Trace Distillery - Frankfort
- Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn - Owensboro
- Old Hickory Bar-B-Q - Owensboro
- Shack in the Back BBQ - Fairdale
- Keeneland - Lexington
- Dave's Sticky Pig - Madisonville
- Mark's Feedstore - Multiple Locations
- Stella's Kentucky Deli - Lexington
- Talbott Tavern - Bardstown
- Knockum Hill Bar-B-Que - Herndon
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning restaurants!
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The Experts
Alan Cornett
Alan Cornett, chief eater and writer for Eat... Read More
Alan Cornett, chief eater and writer for Eat Kentucky, is always searching for Kentucky's hidden food treasures, and he considers the Kentucky Hot Brown to be a perfect food. He lives in Lexington with his wife and three daughters where he also works as a Realtor. Follow him on Instagram.
Alan Cornett

Alan Cornett, chief eater and writer for Eat Kentucky, is always searching for Kentucky's hidden food treasures, and he considers the Kentucky Hot Brown to be a perfect food. He lives in Lexington with his wife and three daughters where he also works as a Realtor. Follow him on Instagram.
10Best Editors
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased... Read More
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors

10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.