Owensboro, Ky — The wonderful thing about being a biker in my neck of the woods, is that there are plenty of Tennessee and Kentucky back roads that you can ride.  Perfect for day trips.

There’s nothing I enjoy better than getting up early, riding over to my favorite coffee shop and having a good hot cup of coffee as the sun is coming up.  The anticipation of the day’s journey makes the java taste just a little better.

On this day, an old friend of mine was leading me on a day trip to Owensboro, Ky where we were going to have lunch at “one of my favorite bar-b-q joints” he said.

John Foreman

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is a sixth generation restaurant, founded in 1918 by Charles “Pappy” Foreman, who was an Owensboro, Ky blacksmith. He put aside his tools and began barbecuing mutton.  Now, over 80 years later, the Foreman tradition continues to thrive.

When we arrived, I noticed some pictures on the wall of the restaurant.  “I’ve seen this guy before” I said.

It wasn’t until we were seated and had ordered our meal, when the waitress told me that John Foreman was the owner and he had won an episode of BBQ Pitmasters.

OH MY GOD! I LOVE THAT SHOW!

So I order a plate of sliced  bar-b-q pork, smothered in their famous sauce, with green beans, and potato salad.  My buddy orders the chicken.

It was sooooooo good.

So I told the waitress I was a blogger and wondered if the owner was “around?”  And about five minutes later, up walks John Foreman. “Pappy” was his great-great-grandfather, and let me just tell you, he is probably one of the nicest guys I’ve met in a long time.  For him to take the time to come out to introduce himself and spend time talking about his passion for cooking really impressed me.

In 2012 he was asked to participate in the BBQ Pitmasters and HE WON IT!!!  How cool is that?

The menu is loaded with all of your favorites.  It’s my understanding that the mutton is his best dish, but the locals I spoke with say

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q

everything on the menu is fabulous.  Ribs, pulled pork, chicken, mutton, beef and all the sides.  The potato salad was DEEELISH!

The restaurant is simple, the service is exceptional and our meal was amazing.

So if you ever find yourself in Owensboro, Ky, stop by Old Hickory Bar-B-Q.  You won’t be disappointed.