Frankfort hole-in-the-wall has big fans among diner lovers for burgers, omelets

Shelby Keith is having a really good year. She has the proof in the form of an engraved plaque that hangs on the wall of her eponymous diner tucked into a strip mall on the outskirts of Frankfort.

As she proudly points to the plaque, the owner of Shelby’s Diner says that she was amazed when she learned that USA Today had named her diner, known for its burgers, omelets and friendly staff, number three in their Readers’ Choice Awards for the Top 10 Roadside Diners in America.

That takes in a considerable amount of roadside where, according to the newspaper, one can find “cozy havens offering a blend of nostalgia and charm in which to savor some of the best comfort foods around.”

Most people could rest on that laurel for five years, but it only took five months for Keith to become the recipient of another honor.

“Only in Your State,” an internet blog that showcases the best of the best in all 50 states based on a certain category — in this case the nation’s best diners — dubbed Shelby’s the best diner in Kentucky.

If you thought Keith would be a bit ho-hum about this statewide recognition after taking the bronze in a national poll, you would be mistaken.

“Really?” was all she could manage to say when told of her diner’s most recent honor.

Keith might have been surprised, as after all, the Bluegrass State loves its diners and has no shortage of them. But after one taste of her fried-to-perfection catfish and stewed tomatoes (made from her grandmother’s recipe), her loyal customers surely wouldn’t be.

For the past four years — ever since she relocated to Frankfort from her original location in Lawrenceburg — those customers have flocked to the Versailles Road spot for breakfast items such as pork tenderloin with white gravy; country ham or ribeye served with two eggs, hash browns and biscuit, or especially, as the USA Today readers noted, the French Toast breakfast sandwich, loaded with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup.

“I’m kind of surprised that the readers chose that one to mention,” she says, “as it’s our Western omelet (three eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, green peppers and onions) that is our best seller.”

Those that are more inclined to be part of the lunch bunch have their favorites as well. That famous half-pound, cooked to order burger is the hottest ticket, but there are those who swear by the Mac & Cheese BBQ chicken baked potato.

Others wouldn’t miss picking up an early dinner here, whether it be the hearty bean soup or chili with corn bread, an assortment of deli and hot sandwiches (the fried bologna is a favorite), or a full meal of codfish with sides that include mashed potatoes, green beans, and those not-to-be missed stewed tomatoes.

Keith is modest about her success, but she does have a theory about why her diner is so popular.

“I think it might be me,” she jokes. “A lot of owners get other people to do all the cooking and serving, and are hardly ever in their own establishment.

“But I really love being here every day. I do all the cooking myself, and I also love meeting and talking to all my customers.”

The next time business or pleasure takes you to the Capital City, check out this self-described “hole in the wall” whose food, says Keith, “is cooked and served in a way to remind you of home.”

Shelby’s Diner

Where: 1410 Versailles Road, Suite 2, Frankfort.

Hours: Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. – noon. No reservations. Prices range from $10 - $20 per person.