Location: Irvine
Irvine Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Irvine
Irvine (locally /ˈɜːrvən, ˈɜːrvaɪn/) is a home rule-class city in Estill County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is the seat of its county. Its population was 2,715 at the time of the 2010 census. It is located on the Kentucky River at the junction of Kentucky Route 52 and Kentucky Route 89.
1. Burger Barn Drive-In
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Danielle W - South Bend, Indiana
We went here instead of fast food to avoid the crowd at a car show and it was a great idea. We got stromboli and a cheeseburger. The stromboli is the sandwhich kind not the calzone version we get back home but that def isn't a bad thing. The fries are large and crinkle cut and cooked just right, cole slaw is mild and good. As good as everything was the cheeseburger just blew everything out of the water. It was cooked perfectly, great texture and taste - just amazing.
2. Michael's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By AHeat03 - Lexington, Kentucky
We recently went to Michael's on a Friday night. The place was packed. The wait staff were friendly and the owner stopped by each table and was helping refresh the food. They have a great salad bar with all the fixings. They also offered 5 different meats including fried chicken, ribs, lamb fries, catfish, and shrimp. There was also a large selection of sides including green beans, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, fried apples, cabbage, soup beans, and a vegetable casserole. For dessert they offered cherry cobbler, some type of Apple pastry, banana pudding, and soft serve ice cream.
We would return. We did have to "doctor" our food up a bit with salt & pepper but it was an overall good experience.
3. Hong Kong Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Grangranoftate - Irvine, Kentucky
I really enjoy Chinese food and have dined at many ..But, this small, restaurant is one of the very best... The food is always delicious and very flavorful... They have many different entrees, soup and desserts.... A+
4. Wigwam Drive-In
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Nomad_Parrothead - Stafford, Virginia
This Wigwam is a great little place. They have recently updated their menu, adding a few new items including a fettuccine alfredo. Most importantly, they no longer allow smoking!!! While this may annoy a few old timers, most people welcome the change. The Wigwam is a very small place with only a few tables. They offer curb side service if you want to take your food with you. Visitors to the Wigwam should try the Country Boy. It is a doubledecker hamburger cooked on a flat top griddle with a generous dollop of home made cole slaw on the burger. I can't review anything else on the menu, as the Country Boy is the only thing have ever ordered there. The restaurant is old, and it shows, but don't let that dissuade you from trying the hamburger.
5. House of 'Cue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Ronald B - Arlington, Virginia
I was in Irvine for a meeting. Lunch time arrived and I went with coworkers for lunch at a local BBQ place. We were quickly seated and presented with menus. I ordered their pulled pork and baked beans. The meal quickly arrived. The sandwich was piled high with some of the best BBQ that I've had in a long time. Another person had some excellent brisket. The burgers are also excellent. Good food, good service.
6. Old Timer's Market
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By GooseFan - Eastern Kentucky
This little place has only been open a couple months, but I have to say that I've been pleasantly surprised with how good it is. The prices are reasonable and the service is fine, but the food is FANTASTIC! Granted, it's your typical burger and fries type place, but it's really good quality food. The cole slaw is some of the best around, very creamy and slightly sweet. The "Old Timer" (a dressed double decker covered with slaw) is a really great burger. They offer 4 dollar dinners on Fridays, but the regular prices are okay as well. The daily specials are good too. Smoking is allowed inside, so be aware. Overall, this is a nice little diner for a quick meal.
7. Steam Engine Pizza Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By GooseFan - Eastern Kentucky
I'm a local, and I eat at Steam at least once a week. I have NEVER had a bad meal there. Most recently, I stopped in for dinner with my wife and kids. The decor is outstanding - reclaimed barn wood on the walls, tin ceilings. The staff is helpful and attentive. Nice ever-changing craft beer selection. But the star of the show is the food. Excellent pizza, pasta, sandwiches, apps, salads. You'll get full and be happy. Try Steam and you won't be sorry!
8. La Cabana Mexican Cuisine
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By GooseFan - Eastern Kentucky
I am local, and I go to La Cabana at least once a week. Most recently, I stopped in for lunch with a friend. The food was hot, fresh, authentic, and reasonably priced. Service is always wonderful. I have paid much more in other places for lower quality food and a lesser experience overall. The people here are great, and we are so lucky to have them in our small town!
9. Rader's River Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By GooseFan - Eastern Kentucky
Rader's is a great casual spot for local dining in Irvine. Located directly beneath the Irvine bridge next to downtown, the restaurant actually floats when the river floods. Great burgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders, fried pickles and other "bar-style" food. Also, nice daily specials of country cookin' favorites like roast beef and fried chicken. Great atmosphere right on the river. Definitely worth a stop when you're in the area!
10. El Ranchito
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Laurie Z - Dearborn, Michigan
The food was very good and reasonably priced. Many options for lunch. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Great little place to eat in Irvine.
