McKenzye's Eatery & Bakery

Location: 1567 Old Louisville Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101

Description: Restaurant and bakery offering down-home cooking at family-friendly prices. Open for lunch and dinner.

Website: McKenzye's Eatery & Bakery

Cost: $

Age appropriate: All ages

Money saving tips: The Gospel Bird is big enough for two. Split a cream pie. Skip the soda.

Worth noting:  Fried chicken is available by the bucket. Daily specials are posted at the register. McKenzye’s is only open Tuesday through Saturday. Partial menu is available online. There is a children’s menu too.

Attractions/restaurants nearby: Spencer’s Coffeehouse, Fountain Square Park, Beech Bend.

Our experience:

The husband and I have driven by this restaurant on numerous occasions, but until now had not ventured inside. Our decision to meet here for lunch on Valentine’s Day was quite suiting, as we fell in love with this special place.

Upon entering, we noticed the homey décor and warmth of the fireplace. Only a couple of tables were filled and there was no line, so we walked right up to the counter to look over the daily specials. The owner, Karen Huffman, was quick to point out there are additional items on the printed menu. She was happy to answer the few questions we had.

The husband decided to go with one of the lunch specials – BBQ Chicken with 2 sides (baked potato and green beans) and I opted for the Gospel Bird sandwich with fries. Other items on the menu include the “meat and three”, sandwiches, veggie plates, and fried chicken. There is a variety of mostly-southern sides, both hot and cold.

We took a seat by the fire to wait for our meal.  There is a television mounted on the wall for those interested. While we waited (the Gospel Bird is SO thick it takes a little extra time to fix properly) we walked into the attached room which serves as the bakery. A small refrigerated cooler held cheesecake, chocolate cake, yellow cake, peacan pie, coconut cream pie, peanut butter pie, and chocolate peanut butter pie (more on that later).

Mrs. Huffman brought our drinks to the table, refilled as needed, and let us know that our food would soon be on its way. She has such a warmth about her and a heart for her customers. It was as if my Grandmother was the one fixing lunch for us.

The BBQ chicken was outstanding! The husband was kind enough to share a couple of bites with me. I hope this is a regular daily special.

Mrs. Huffman had warned me that the Gospel Bird was a big sandwich so I had already planned on bringing half home for another meal. It’s not just big, it is THICK! With the bun and all it was at least 4 inches high. I eventually pulled out a knife and fork and split it in half the other direction. The breading is really, really good. It was crispy and well-seasoned. I may need to have the husband pick up a bucket of chicken some night for dinner.

Being Valentine’s Day and all we decided to indulge in a little dessert. After much debate, we opted to try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. We were told that it sells out most days. Mrs. Huffman makes all the desserts from scratch and it shows. The pies are really made for two people to eat. We were so full from lunch about a third of our pie was able to be savored the next day.

The Huffman’s desire for every customer to have a good experience is evident from the moment you enter. If love can be an ingredient, they’ve added to each item on their menu.

Put this restaurant on your must-try list. It’s still a well-kept secret, so for now there are no crowds to fight, but I expect as word gets out its popularity will soar!

McKenzye’s is worth exploring again and again and again…

Last visited: February 2013, will be frequenting regularly.