A while back, my husband and I embarked on a Tennessee road trip that meandered its way to the enchanting Land Between The Lakes area. Our adventure had been peppered with recommendations to experience Patti’s 1880s Settlement, and with intrigue piqued to its brim, we couldn’t help but steer our wheels in its direction.
Grand Rivers, Kentucky, was our treasure map ‘X’ – a charming downtown parking lot that served as the staging ground for our exploration. On foot, we walked past inns and antique shops, soaking up the small-town splendor until it was time to hit Patti’s for an early supper.
What is Patti’s 1880s Settlement?
Patti’s 1880s Settlement is a time capsule fashioned as a log cabin village with a legacy spanning over four decades. Its dining realm boasts a menu that could rival the most refined of country clubs, combining traditional and classic dishes with gourmet twists.
Think succulent pork chops, juicy steaks, and the Kentucky Hot Brown – the state’s iconic culinary staple.
Despite the promise of a table at Patti’s, a mere ten-minute wait armed with a pager allowed us to roam the property’s shops. Save the wait and make advanced reservations by calling 888-736-2515.
Patti’s welcomes diners from 11 AM to 8 PM daily, minus a holiday break from December 24-26th.
Our Dining Experience
My excitement hit a high as we took our seats in the quaint Crown Room and were presented the signature flower pot bread with strawberry and whipped butter. Yum, this is a complimentary treat I can get behind.
Then, I placed my order for the anticipated Kentucky Hot Brown. Patti’s unique take layers Black Forest ham beneath succulent turkey, strips bacon, and a tomato slice, and trades the conventional mornay sauce with a house-special cheese sauce.
Crowning the creation is an audacious sprinkle of crispy potato chips. I’ve eaten Hot Browns far and wide, but Patti’s offering stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best. It was only second to the sandwich’s Louisville originator at the Brown Hotel.
Eddie chose their famed Apples Delight pork chop, topped with deliciously baked apples. His ensemble included a side salad, tangy homemade raspberry vinaigrette, and baked potato. A fun fact is that Patti’s serves almost 140,000 pork chops annually!
Resistance to dessert here is futile. Patti’s bakery conjures sinful sweets that leave customers—dining guests and gift shop patrons alike—in hot pursuit of slices and whole cakes. Eddie gave the Southern coconut cake rave reviews. I was too full for dessert, so I skipped it and regretted my decision all night.
Let this be your morsel of wisdom: always reserve room for Patti’s delectable treats.
The Treasures Continues
With meal choices galore, including gluten-free and dairy-free, Patti’s ensures that everyone’s palate and preferences are pleased. But there is more to this stop than just the great food. Beyond the plates lies a village of boutique treasures and even lodging at the hotel, bed and breakfast (Rose of the Lake), or campground.
I perused children’s boutiques, fashion shops, and homespun decor stores that made my heart yearn for more space in our RV, where we lived full-time.
During the holidays, Patti’s transforms into a Yuletide wonderland. Its stellar Festival of Lights graced The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2018. From November 5th through January 16th, the grounds shimmer to life from 4 PM to 10 PM daily.
With activities like gold panning, mini-golf, and strolls through artful gardens, Patti’s 1880s Settlement is more than a culinary retreat—it’s an immersive escape. So, who’s feeling the pull of the road, ready to chart a course for this gem of discovery? If you’re already a devotee, we raise our forks in solidarity.
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