Skip to main content

Claudia Sanders Dinner House

β˜…3.2(386 reviews)$$Restaurant
πŸ•‘ 1.5-2 hours including dining and viewing memorabiliaπŸ‘Ά Best for all ages. The family-style service works perfectly for families with multiple children, and the familiar Southern menu (fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits) appeals to even picky eaters. Younger children enjoy the novelty of sharing platters, while older kids and teens appreciate the connection to KFC history.

About

Step into a piece of Kentucky history at Claudia Sanders Dinner House, the beloved restaurant once owned by Colonel Harland Sanders himself. This charming Southern establishment serves generous family-style meals in a welcoming, historic atmosphere where three generations of families have gathered around the table. Kids will enjoy the novelty of dining where the famous Colonel once greeted guests, while parents appreciate the authentic Southern comfort food and reasonable prices.

Highlights

  • βœ“Dining in Colonel Sanders' actual former restaurant with original decor and historic photos
  • βœ“Family-style Southern fried chicken served on big platters for sharing
  • βœ“House-made biscuits and traditional sides like green beans and mashed potatoes
  • βœ“Small collection of Colonel Sanders memorabilia and vintage photographs
  • βœ“Authentic Kentucky hospitality in a welcoming, multi-generational atmosphere

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive early for lunch or dinner to avoid long waits, especially on weekends when locals flock here after church
  2. 2.Request a tour of the small Colonel Sanders museum area with memorabilia,kids find the vintage photos and artifacts fascinating
  3. 3.The family-style platters are generous, so consider ordering conservatively and adding sides if needed to avoid waste
  4. 4.Ask your server about the history,staff members love sharing stories about the Colonel's time at the restaurant
  5. 5.Save room for the chess pie or blackberry cobbler, which are house specialties that even kids enjoy

Best Time to Visit

Weekday lunch hours (11:30am-1pm) offer shorter waits and a more relaxed atmosphere. Sunday afternoons can be very busy with the after-church crowd, while Friday and Saturday evenings are popular for family gatherings. Early dinner around 5pm on weekdays is ideal for families with younger children.

What to Know

With moderate pricing ($$), expect to spend $15-25 per adult and $8-12 per child for generous portions. Ample free parking is available on-site. The historic building has some stairs, so families with strollers should mention accessibility needs when making reservations.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round. The restaurant is especially festive during the holidays with seasonal decorations. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for the short walk from the parking lot. Summer can be busy with tourists seeking Colonel Sanders history.

More Activities Near Shelbyville

Park

Red Orchard Park

β˜…4.7Free

Red Orchard Park is a welcoming neighborhood gem in Shelbyville that checks all the boxes for families with young children. With well-maintained playground equipment, scenic walking paths perfect for stroller-pushing or bike-riding, and plenty of open green space for picnics and games, it's an ideal spot for everything from quick playground visits to full afternoon family gatherings.

Adventure

Clear Creek Greenway Trail Head (Access Parking)

β˜…4.7Free

Clear Creek Greenway Trail Head offers families a beautiful, paved trail system perfect for introducing kids to outdoor recreation in a safe, accessible environment. The scenic route winds through Shelbyville's natural areas and connects several community parks, making it ideal for family bike rides, nature walks, or jogging with strollers. With its smooth surface and 24/7 access, it's a flexible option for active families looking to explore the outdoors together.

Adventure

Guist Creek Marina

β˜…4.6$

Guist Creek Marina is a wonderful lakeside destination on Taylorsville Lake where families can enjoy a full day of water adventures and outdoor fun. With boat rentals, sandy beaches for swimming, fishing spots, playgrounds, and camping facilities all in one location, it's perfect for families looking to introduce kids to boating and lake life without traveling far from Louisville.

Library

Shelby County Public Library

β˜…4.5Free

Shelby County Public Library is a welcoming community hub that goes beyond books, offering engaging story times, hands-on learning activities, and popular summer reading programs that keep kids excited about literacy. With dedicated interactive spaces designed specifically for young children and a calendar full of free family programming, it's a perfect rainy-day destination or regular stop for curious minds.