Planning a date night? These four restaurants in Shelbyville and Simpsonville offer a range of atmospheres, from elegant dining to casual comfort, making them perfect spots to share a memorable evening with your special someone. At just 30 minutes from Louisville and only 45 minutes from Lexington, experience rich Kentucky culinary culture and classic Southern hospitality with any of these choices.

The Bell House Restaurant

Bell House Hot BrownLocated in a beautifully restored Victorian home, The Bell House offers an intimate, fine dining experience perfect for special occasions or romantic evenings. Known for its Southern-inspired menu, you can indulge in daily unique specials, like shrimp and grits or a perfectly prepared filet mignon. Don't miss an iconic Kentucky dish — the Hot Brown, first served in Louisville in the early 1920s. (We think The Bell House has the best Hot Brown in Kentucky!) The cozy dining rooms and attentive service create an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an elegant night. The attention to detail in both the food and ambiance ensures a memorable experience. End your meal with desserts crafted by hand by the Bell House's in-house Pastry Chef.   

Little Mount Lavender Company

Little Mount LavenderBe sure to carve out plenty of time to visit Little Mount Lavender Company — you'll need it to explore every nook and cranny of the historic venue Little Mount Lavender calls home. The oldest standing stone building in ShelbyKY has been a number of things over the years: stagecoach inn, tavern, private home, and since 2021, the headquarters for Little Mount Lavender Company. The Cafe at Little Mount Lavender Company features a small but mighty menu that sees seasonal updates — all the more reason to come back time and time again! A full bar awaits, but don't miss the lavender-themed drinks, like the Lavender Champagne Cocktail, Lavender Lemon Drop, Lavender Tequila Sunset, or Lavender Old Fashioned. For non-alcoholic options, don't miss the Lavender Lemonade, a refreshing and bright drink that pairs perfectly with the whole menu.

Claudia Sanders Dinner House

Claudia Sanders Dinner HouseFor a taste of Southern tradition, head to Claudia Sanders Dinner House, a landmark restaurant with ties to Kentucky’s rich culinary heritage. Founded by Colonel Sanders of KFC fame for his wife, Claudia, this spacious restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and homestyle dishes that are perfect for a casual dinner of classic Southern comfort food. Menu highlights include fried chicken, country ham, and all the classic Southern sides. The dining rooms exude Southern charm, and the hearty portions guarantee you’ll leave satisfied. Don't miss bread pudding for dessert. It’s a great choice for couples who want a laid-back, delicious meal in a warm and welcoming environment.

La Cocina de Mama

La Cocina de Mama MargaritasIf you’re in the mood for something vibrant and fun, La Cocina de Mama is the ideal spot for a casual yet flavorful date night. This family-owned Mexican restaurant boasts a warm, colorful atmosphere, making it a lively choice for couples. From sizzling fajitas to authentic street tacos, their menu offers a variety of delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients. The house-made guacamole and margaritas are must-tries, making it easy to unwind and enjoy the night. The friendly, upbeat environment is perfect for couples looking to enjoy great food in a relaxed setting.

Don't miss a nightcap

The Last Stop Brewing CoDon't let the evening end just because dessert has come and the check's been paid. The Last Stop Brewing Co. is a newcomer to ShelbyKY, but has quickly made its mark on the community as a hotspot of nightlife. The first — and for now, only — microbrewery in ShelbyKY features a full bar, but you'll want to try one of their house brews. (We also hear the sangria is good!) With a dining menu of bar food staples, you can also grab a bite if you didn't get your fill at dinner.  

Make a weekend of it

You'll need to make a weekend of your time in ShelbyKY! Plan a visit to our two world-class distilleries and enjoy the great outdoors, whether on horseback at Red Fern Riding Center or with two feet on the ground at Kentucky Proud farm markets like Gallrein Farms and Mulberry Orchard. Go shopping at boutiques like The Polkadotted Pineapple and The Lovely Fig or explore Kentucky's largest open-air shopping mall at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. There's so much to see, do, and taste in ShelbyKY that you'll likely find it necessary to stay the night — choose from fantastic vacation rentals, traditional hotels, and tranquil bed and breakfasts. Start planning your trip to ShelbyKY today! 

Planning essentials

Events

Live music, festivals, bourbon tastings, and more. What more can you ask for?

Mentioned in this post

  • 721 Main Street
  • 15024375678

As you enter The Bell House Restaurant, you feel welcomed. Fine dining in Shelbyville but without any pretension or stuffiness. The Bell House delights in the down-home hospitality that makes you feel welcome. There is no particular dress code; come as you are. Reservations are…

  • 3202 Shelbyville Rd
  • 15026335600

Claudia Sanders has a large banquet facilities and a state of the art kitchen, but still holds true to the country charm of the old dinner house. With the enlarged and updated kitchen, the space and equipment to prepare you favorite Kentucky dishes the way your grandmother made…

  • 6905 Shelbyville Road
  • 5024372141

Welcome to Little Mount Lavender, Kentucky’s largest lavender farm! This locally owned lavender store in Simpsonville, KY, offers organically grown and locally sourced products, from lavender flowers and buds to jewelry and gardening items. Stop by the Little Mount Bakery for…

  • 535 Main Street
  • 15026331114

“La Cocina de Mamá” located at 535 Main Street Shelbyville, KY 40065 opened its doors to the public on September 25, 2013 after 20 years of experience and hard work in the restaurant industry. The ideal location was chosen based on the community, their tastes, and needs. Elevated…

  • 525 Main Street
  • 5024370024

Welcome to Last Stop Brewing, the first and only microbrewery in Shelbyville, KY. Each of our craft beers is made on-site by passionate individuals who pour their hearts into every pint. Thanks to our food partner, Joe Lamb, we offer food at our local brewery. We’re proud to have…

  • 5063 Aiken Road
  • 5024374375

Red Fern Riding Center offers an array of services from guided horseback rides to the general public to riding lessons, horse training, and full-care boarding. In addition, we host community-related events and provide volunteer opportunities for trail expansion, trail and farm…

  • 1029 Vigo Rd
  • 15026334849

A Passion We love farming and want to share that passion with you! Gallrein Farms provides a place where buying fresh is an understatement. Come and browse our greenhouses in the Spring with beautiful and unusual annuals, perennials, tropical plants and more. Most all of our…

  • 1330 Mulberry Pike
  • 15026552633

Mulberry Orchard has 17 varieties of peaches and 16 of apples so everyone can find their favorites. Apples will be harvested late June until October and peaches will be available July until August. We will also have a variety of berries and fresh vegetables…

  • 526 Main Street
  • 15024370418

An upscale boutique shop, Polkadotted Pineapple offers new and unique designer and name-brand fashions at very affordable prices! Don't miss these one-of-a-kind derby hats ready to wear or customized to fit your needs.

  • 6950 Shelbyville Road
  • 5027775821

Providing a fun shopping experience featuring clothing, accessories, and home decor. "Whatever is lovely… dwell on these things!"

  • 1155 Buck Creek Road
  • 15027225558

The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass is Kentucky's only designer outlet mall! Save in 90 well-known designer outlets including Coach, Banana Republic, Nike, North Face, Under Armour, Vera Bradley, and many more. Enjoy the Food Court, with center court fountains and a fireplace.