Red River Gorge Eats: Top Local Restaurants You Can’t Miss

Nicole Meyer • August 16, 2025

Craving a great meal after a day of hiking or climbing in the Gorge? These beloved local spots offer delicious food, friendly vibes, and flavors that’ll make your outdoor trip even better.


1. Miguel’s Pizza

Where: 1890 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade
Hours: Daily 7 AM–11 AM (breakfast) & 11 AM–9:30 PM (lunch/dinner)
Website:  Miguel’s Pizza
What to Try: Their legendary pizza and don’t forget to grab an ice-cold Ale‑8
Cost: $—slices and sandwiches around $5–10
Why Go: This climber institution offers casual counter ordering perfect for families and groups
Pro Tip: Folks love the vibrant climbing community atmosphere


Miguel's Pizza - Rock Climbing Guides

2. RedPoint BBQ

Where: 356 Jim Smith Rd, Rogers
Hours: Wed 6–10 PM; Thu–Sat 12–10 PM; Sun 12–9 PM; closed Mon–Tue
Website: RedPoint BBQ
What to Try: Kentucky-blackened catfish, pulled pork, or brisket; don’t miss the Pork Belly Kabobs or their delicious side items
Cost: $$
Why Go: Quality smoked meats with scenic outdoor seating—perfect after a long day outdoors
Fun Fact: They often host open mic nights and have an impressive bourbon list


3. Red River Rockhouse

Where: 4000 KY‑11, Campton
Hours: Thu–Sun Noon–9 PM
Website: Red River Rockhouse
What to Try: Grass-fed burgers, kale/spinach salad, or massive burritos; tap beer too
 Cost: $$
 Why Go: Family-friendly café with craft appetizers and a quiet deck setting
 Note: Perfect for a relaxing meal off the trail and they support local farmers and artisans 


Red River Rockhouse


4. La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant

Where: 1289 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade
Hours: Sun–Wed 11 AM–9 PM; Thu–Sat 11 AM–11 PM; Open Year Round
Website: La Cabana
What to Try: Sizzling fajitas, burritos, or their mouthwatering salted caramel brownies
Cost: $$ (kids and vegetarian options available)
Why Go: A lively, authentic Tex-Mex experience with a well-stocked bar and live music nights


5. Daniel Boone Coffee House

Where: 769 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade
Hours: Mar–Nov Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM; Sat–Sun 7 AM–8 PM
Website: Daniel Boone Coffee Shop
What to Try: Fancy lattes, Dirty Turtle espresso shake, paninis and breakfast burritos
Cost: $
Why Go: The local coffee shop is ideal for a morning pick-me-up; cozy indoor seating with outdoor vibes and community feel


6. 145 Steakhouse

Where: 148 Main St, Campton
Hours: Mon–Sat 3 PM–10 PM; closed Sunday
Facebook: 145 Roadhouse
What to Try: Bourbon burger, fried catfish, steaks, fish, smoked meats, and fried pickles
Cost: $$–$$$ ($10–20 pp)
Why Go: Great steaks in a polished yet laid-back atmosphere—live music & events on weekends


7. Toad’s BARn & Grill

Where: 9943 Campton Rd, Stanton
Hours: Daily 11 AM–9 PM
Website: Toad’s Bar n Grill
What to Try: Smashburgers, wings, cold drinks, and live music on weekends
Cost: $$
Why Go: A rustic, outdoorsy hangout with deck seating and a bar-focused vibe


8. Sky Bridge Station

Where: 8 KY‑715, Pine Ridge
Hours: Mon, Thu–Sat 12–10 PM; Tue–Wed 4–10 PM; Sun 12–6 PM
Facebook: Sky Bridge Station
What to Try: Burgers, sandwiches
Cost: $$
Why Go: Scenic location with porch seating, trivia nights, and occasional live music—opens seasonally (Mar/Apr–Dec)


9. Hop’s

Where: 2613 KY-11, Campton, KY 41301
Hours: Tue 12–8 PM; Wed 2–8 PM; Fri 12–9 PM; Sat 9:30 AM–9 PM
Facebook: Hop’s
What to Try: Farm‑to‑table entrees with a menu that varies by season
Cost: $$
Why Go: Tech-savvy patrons love the locally sourced, healthier options with a hip, casual vibe


Relax after a day in the Red River Gorge at Firefly Hills farmhouse lodging and RV park camping

A Better Place to Stay After a Day on the Rock: Firefly Hills

By Nicole Meyer • January 11, 2026
If you are coming to the Red River Gorge to climb, your days are probably full of early mornings, long approaches, and sore hands by sunset. Where you stay matters. You want a place that is quiet, comfortable, and welcoming without paying resort prices or feeling boxed into a hotel room. Just a short drive from the climbing areas, Firefly Hills offers something different. It is a small, thoughtfully designed property that feels like home base rather than just a place to sleep. Designed for Outdoor Lovers Firefly Hills was created with people who love the outdoors in mind. After a long day on the rock, you can come back to a peaceful setting where you can actually rest. No loud hallways. No crowded parking lots. Just open space, fresh air, and a front porch that invites you to slow down. Whether you are traveling solo, with climbing partners, or with family, Firefly Hills offers lodging that works for real life and real trips.
Winter climber on a hanging on a rope in the Red River Gorge, wearing cold-weather layers

Winter in the Red River Gorge: What’s Open, What to Do, and What to Know

By Nicole Meyer • January 9, 2026
The Quiet Magic of Winter in the Red Winter in the Red River Gorge brings fewer crowds, crisp air, and peaceful cliffs that feel worlds away from the busy fall season. While climbing doesn’t stop in winter, it does shift with slower starts, sunnier walls, and a little more intention behind each day. It’s important to remember that winter hours, weather, and access can vary throughout the Gorge, and flexibility is key. This guide is here to help visitors plan realistically and confidently so they can make the most of a winter trip to this special place.

Why Fall 2025 Was a Fantastic Season for Climbing in the Red River Gorge

By Nicole Meyer • January 8, 2026
If you’ve spent any time in the Red River Gorge this fall, you already know — 2025 has been one for the books. From crisp sending temps to breathtaking color and some major new additions to our climbing landscape, this season has given us everything we love about autumn in the Gorge… and then some. Here’s why Fall 2025 has been such an incredible time to climb in the Red: 1. The Weather Has Been Perfect for Sending This fall blessed us early. Humidity dipped out sooner than usual, ushering in those ideal, dry conditions climbers dream about. Pair that with consistently cooler temps that have stuck around well into November, and you’ve got prime friction season. Whether you were battling sandstone slopers or dancing up crimps, the rock felt crisp, grippy, and as welcoming as it gets. The kind of weather that makes you dig a little deeper, try a little harder, and maybe even send that project that’s been haunting you all year.
Woman climbing the Red River Gorge Via Ferrata in the rain, clipped into the safety cable as water f

What to Do in the Red River Gorge on Rest Days or Rainy Days

By Nicole Meyer • November 25, 2025
Discover the best rainy-day and rest-day activities in Red River Gorge—from cozy indoor spots to climbing the Via Ferrata, even in the rain.
Red River Gorge shuttle van picking up hikers and climbers at a trailhead, ready for transport to po

Red River Gorge Shuttle Service for Hikers, Climbers & Adventurers

By Nicole Meyer • November 19, 2025
Discover shuttle options in Red River Gorge for hikers, climbers, and adventurers. One-way, round-trip, airport drop-offs, and private bookings available.
Lead Climber reading a route in a climbing gym | learn to climb outside

Gym vs. Crag: Key Differences for Climbers (+ Checklist & Transition Roadmap)

By Nicole Meyer • October 30, 2025
Learn the key differences between gym and outdoor climbing. Get your checklist and transition roadmap for climbing safely at Red River Gorge.

Via Ferrata vs. Guided Climbing: Which Adventure is Right for You?

By Nicole Meyer • October 14, 2025
Red River Gorge is famous for its sandstone cliffs and world-class climbing opportunities. At Southeast Mountain Guides, we often hear the question: “Should I book the Via Ferrata or a guided climbing trip?” Both are unforgettable experiences , but they’re quite different. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide which adventure is the best fit for you, your group, or your next date in the Gorge.
Red River Gorge Climbing guide tackles challenging section of a steep route

From Gym to Crag: Transitioning to Outdoor Climbing at the Gorge

By Nicole Meyer • October 7, 2025
Learn how to transition from gym to outdoor climbing at Red River Gorge. Gear, skills, safety, and why hiring a guide makes all the difference.

How Hard Are the Most Advanced Sections of the Red River Gorge Via Ferrata?

By Nicole Meyer • October 6, 2025
So, you’ve heard that the Southeast Mountain Guides Via Ferrata is tough—but how hard is it, really? We've already covered general preparation for the via ferrata, but here we're breaking down the advanced and expert sections of the course to help you plan, prepare, and maybe even conquer them.

How to Get the Most Out of Your First Guided Climbing Trip

By Nicole Meyer • August 22, 2025
If you’ve booked your first guided rock climbing trip —whether it’s in the Red River Gorge with Southeast Mountain Guides or elsewhere—you’re in for a rewarding experience. A guided trip offers personalized instruction, expert insight, and the chance to enjoy climbing without the stress of figuring everything out on your own. That said, a little preparation goes a long way in making the most of your day. Here’s how to show up ready, dialed in, and primed to learn.