Best Eateries in Burlington, KY

April 9th, 2021 by

A table with food and hands holding drinks is shown from above in Burlington, KY.

There are a few things you’ll always find in Burlington, KY. Firstly, you’ll find some of the most beautiful golf courses around, such as the beautiful Meadowood Golf Course and the Boone Woods Disc Golf Course, and you’ll find a vibrant culture within its smaller yet incredible community. This culture can be seen most prominently in the various eateries that you’ll find during your time here. Whether you’re looking for a rustic sit-down restaurant with some of the best homemade meals around, or maybe you’re interested in some Asian fusion cuisine and are interested in delicacies such as sushi, you’ll find it in Burlington. We’ve even got a recommendation for the best place to visit when it’s time for dessert, so let’s dig in.

Tousey House Tavern

At Tousey House Tavern, you’ll enjoy the dining experience for a few reasons, but the most memorable part of your visit will be its menu of homemade favorites. First, you’ll start your dinner with one of five amazing appetizers, with choices for those looking for seafood, poultry, and even lighter affairs such as homemade Fried Green Tomatoes. The appetizers available to you at Tousey House Tavern include a plate of Cajun Shrimp, Kentucky Beer Cheese that comes served alongside homemade pretzel bread, and Chicken Livers in a unique sauce. However, our favorite appetizer of the bunch is the Crab Cakes that come served alongside a specially made coleslaw that compliments the flavor of the crab quite well.

The main attraction of the Tousey House Tavern is the authentic fried chicken that is served fresh. With a savory mix of seasoning along with the crunch of the chicken breading, it doesn’t take long to understand why Tousey House Tavern is a place you definitely want to try. Every order of fried chicken comes with four large pieces, meaning they’re also an excellent choice for sharing with another person. If you’re looking for more of a hearty dish, then Tousey House Tavern also offers pan-roasted chicken thighs that are served alongside a mushroom risotto slathered in a homemade bourbon chalet cream sauce.

If you’re looking for a more handheld alternative, there is a selection of sandwiches that are available at Tousey House Tavern, all of which come served alongside Saratoga chips and cabbage slaw. For more of a smokey barbeque taste, you can opt for the Pork Po Boy sandwich or a delectable cod sandwich. Our favorite, however, is the Tousey Burger, which is drizzled with rosemary aioli and offers just the right blend of fresh and savory ingredients that will leave you feeling full. Tousey House Tavern is a must-try restaurant.

A plate with Mushroom Risotto is on a blue napkin.

Zozo’s Tavern

At Zozo’s Tavern, this is the go-to place for Asian-fusion cuisine, and whether you’re looking for a plate of sushi, or a cup of Sake, you’ll find it here. Aside from a wide selection of beers, wines, and bourbons, you’ll also find an array of cocktails, including Zozo’s Bellini, which is an Italian mimosa. Come for the drinks and stay for the food as every dish will give you that authentic Asian-fusion experience. Choose from a list of more exotic offerings such as a Volcano Roll, which mixes scallop, crab, and eel sauce into a single bake, to a more classic selection such as Shrimp Tempura or an Alaskan Roll.

If you’re a sushi aficionado, there’s no better place to try in town, and every dish tastes savory and flavorful. Some of our favorites include the classic Tuna Roll, which also comes with a spicy variant, and if you’re in the mood for Pho, you can get a tasty bowl here. The dish that you must try when you visit Zozo’s is a plate of seared ahi tuna, drizzled with ponzu, which is a reduced citrus soy sauce that’s well known for its tangy qualities.

Zozo’s Tavern is also a fantastic place to visit, sit down, and socialize as you explore the aforementioned wide menu of drinks. Some of our favorites include the Kirin Ichiban, the Junmai Living Jewel, and the Schloss Vollrads Riesling. If you’re looking for beer, you’ll have several choices, including fan-favorites such as Corona, which complement the accompanying tacos that you may order. A house favorite of Zozo’s, however, is the Singapore Sling, which mixes lime and pineapple juice with grenadine, benedictine, and is finished off with some gin and brandy. Drink one of these with a plate of sushi, and you’ll keep coming back for more.

As part of the Asian-fusion experience, sushi isn’t the only offering that you’ll find at Zozo’s Tavern. Here you’ll also find various types of Ramen bowls, most notably is Seafood Ramen and a Tonkotsu Ramen if you’re in the mood for pork. Zozo’s Tavern also offers a grilled salmon plate that comes with homemade potato salad and rice, and the Vegetable Udon is another fantastic entree choice. Appetizers include classic favorites such as dumplings and crab rangoons, and you can even order authentic tacos. These tacos are available with an array of different meat choices, with traditional Spanish seasoning, cilantro, onion, avocado, and limes. You can even order quesadillas that can be filled with either pork, beef, or chicken. When you’re in the mood for something different, you have to check out Zozo’s Tavern.

Sushi is shown in closeup.Time for Dessert

Right around the corner from both Tousey House Tavern and Zozo’s Tavern, you’ll find Dreamy Whip, which is the best place to get some dessert after dinner. The menu here is full of various ice cream flavors, and you can order your ice cream in either a regular or waffle cone, cup, or a large sundae. Our favorite sundae from Dreamy Whip is the classic Hot Fudge Sundae, and you can even order an ice-cream float that mixes either orange soda, coke, rootbeer, or cream soda and can’t be missed.

If you’re more interested in a drink to satisfy your sweet tooth, Dreamy Whip offers a large list of milkshakes that you can purchase. The most notable milkshake flavors that we love are banana and peanut butter, alongside classic milkshake staples such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Your ice cream can be topped with sprinkles, and your cone can also be dipped in chocolate, cherry, and even blue raspberry, which we certainly recommend. Overall, this eatery can’t be missed, especially after eating at one of the two previously mentioned Taverns.

When You’re in Burlington

These three eateries are a few of our favorites in Burlington, Kentucky, and shouldn’t be missed by anyone in the area. Each restaurant brings its own unique flavor profile and culture to the area, and by visiting each restaurant, you can expect vastly different types of cuisine with impeccable quality and service as well.

Around Union Square, you’ll find these three eateries, and this center of town is the perfect place to visit after a day of golfing at a nearby course, such as the aforementioned Meadowood Golf Course, which is only a short three-minute drive away. These three restaurants aren’t the only trio of eateries in the area, but these restaurants are a select few that stood out to us for their distinctive tastes that aren’t as easily replicated. Whether you’re new to the area or have been here before, there seems to always be something to explore and try out, which is one of our most favorite qualities of Burlington.

Posted in Burlington KY, KY