Pizza, farm-to-table & more: Where to eat at Berea’s College Square
From hiking trails ending in epic views to festivals celebrating everything from spoonbread to all things arts and crafts, Berea has long been an idyllic haven in southern Madison County.
Much of that small town charm stems from the namesake college at the center of town.
Berea College, which was the south’s first coed and racially integrated place of higher learning, is also one of only nine schools in the country with a work-study program that sees students work at nearby establishments for 10 hours a week to cover the cost of their tuition.
One place you’ll find some of those students working is the newly renovated restaurant, Crafted at Boone Tavern, on College Square adjacent to campus. It’s one of several dining options at the historic town center that range from southern favorites to south of the border delights, chocolatey concoctions and even a touch of Italy.
Best restaurants in Berea’s College Square
While Berea might be know for its craft shops like the Log House Craft Gallery, there are a number of restaurants in College Square where you can dine during your shopping. Use this guide for all the Square’s various flavors.
Berea Fudge Shoppe
Address: 207 Short St.
Hours: Monday-Thursday noon-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday 12-8 p.m., Sunday 1:30-6 p.m.
After grabbing dinner at any of the numerous spots listed below you can appease your sweet tooth at College Square’s go-to dessert spot, the Berea Fudge Shoppe. From an assortment of gourmet fudges (including maple nut and peanut butter) to bourbon and moonshine balls, truffles, chocolate-dipped fruits, ice cream, jams and more.
Located on the backside of College Square on Short Street, the confectionery is tucked away from the public eye, but that hasn’t stopped travelers from stumbling into it as if it were Willy Wonka’s factory for years.
“Let’s face it, some chocolate can look great but taste less than satisfying,” said John M. on Yelp. “But that is NOT the case here… I definitely will be back again.”
Bert’s SpeakCheezy
Address: 124 S Main St. bertsspeakcheezy.com
Hours: 7:45 a.m.-11 a.m. (coffee only, kitchen closed); 7:45 a.m.-8 p.m. Tue.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.-Sun.
The family-owned business started as a food truck before opening a location on North Broadway but moved to College Square at the beginning of the year.
They specialize in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and have popular varieties on the menu that use spicy cream cheese spread, jalapeños, beer cheese, shredded chicken, honey ham, apricot jam and more.
The menu also features soups, salads and a selection of espresso drinks, coffees and teas. They also have vegan options and the food truck still makes stops in Lexington and Berea. Catering is also available.
Bluegrass Kitchen
Address: 112 S Main St, Facebook.com/BluegrassKitchenBerea
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
If Ramsey’s is Lexington’s go-to spot for southern comfort food, then Bluegrass Kitchen is Berea’s equivalent. Opened in Oct. 2023, the restaurant and catering business from Donna Mabes brings home cooking to College Square with a meat and three experience that, depending on the day, includes everything from meatloaf to fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, fried okra, collard greens, banana pudding, and more.
The eatery also features blue plate specials like hamburgers, ribeye, catfish and polish sausage with sauerkraut along with veggie plates and an all-you-can-eat soup, salad and baked potato bar.
The only thing I don’t understand about this place is why the line wasn’t out the door,” said Mandy B. on Yelp. “Every bite of food was amazing, and very affordable!”
Crafted at Boone Tavern
Address: Inside Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant, 100 S Main St. North
Restaurant Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun.-Thur.; 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
The Kentucky dining landmark since 1909 inside the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel recently underwent a four-month long renovation and rebranding.
Now known as Crafted at Boone Tavern, the hotel restaurant puts a focus on a locally-sourced menu, artwork and furnishings.
The decor showcases handmade tables and wall decorations that were made by Berea College Student Craft. The new menu has more of a focus on southern and Kentucky foods, utilizing as much as it can on ingredients from Berea College Farms. The restaurant estimates about 60% of its menu is farm-to-table from ingredients and products sourced from the school farm.
“Crafted at Boone Tavern is more than a restaurant — it’s a celebration of Berea’s rich heritage and innovative spirit,” said Todd Lentz, director of operations at Olympia Hospitality, which manages Boone Tavern for the college. “From farm-fresh ingredients sourced directly from the Berea College Farm to handcrafted decor and furniture created by Berea College students, ever detail reflects our deep commitment to local food, craftsmanship and student innovation.”
“It’s a place where tradition meets creativity — and every meal tells and story,” Lentz said.
New additions include a full-service bar, a lounge, a redecorated dining room, a private dining room and the updated menu that is about 90-95% different, new chef Kyle Klatka said.
Doña Maria’s Tamales And More
Address: 204 Center St.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Opened in May 2023 in the former home of Happy Jack’s World Sandwich Bar, Doña Maria’s Tamales And More is an authentic mom and pop Mexican cuisine shop serving up everything from elotes — also known as grilled Mexican street corn — to various tacos, gorditas, and of course, tamales.
Although technically disconnected from the central Square structure (it’s in a neighboring structure shared with Gallery 103), the restaurant is close (and definitely tasty) enough to be included by proxy. With daily specials like shrimp cocktails and refreshing desserts like mangonada (mango sorbet and chamoy topped with chili powder) it’s also perfect for any occasion, making it a place you’ll want to get back to over and over again.
“An absolute gem in Berea, Kentucky. We gave this establishment a try the first week they opened and the amazing food and service keeps us coming back,” said one reviewer on TripAdvisor.
Papa Leno’s
Address: 108 Center St.
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday noon-8 p.m., closed Sunday
A Berea institution since 1984, Papa Leno’s has long been synonymous for the best pizza, pasta, and garlic bread in town. Over the years the spot has become a mainstay on the Square — second to only the Boone Tavern in longevity there — with a simple approach that focuses on doing Italian favorites really, really well rather than diluting their menu (and resources) with a myriad of other options and sticking with the homemade recipes passed down from the business’ original owners.
“This pizza would stand out with any discerning pizza connoisseur,” exclaimed Michael G. on Yelp. “We thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Life is not about finding yourself, it is about finding high quality pizza, and this place does not disappoint.”
