Because of the many eateries in The Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area needs a certain something to stand out from the crowd. The Brass Lantern manages to do so.
Located at 16593 US Highway 68, Aurora, the Brass Lantern is Kentucky’s first 3 star restaurant and is in the area described as The Western Gateway to The Land Between The Lakes close to Ken Oak Resort. You can be forgiven for almost driving past it because the restaurant building is set back among many overhanging trees.
The restaurant has been in operation for 30 years and the current owners since 2002 are Kelly and Bertha Wilson. They welcome you to Victorian era Kentucky with rough cedar walls and beams, a cathedral ceiling and cobbled floors. The decor throughout the five individual rooms is faithful, elegant and understated and you’ll enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. The different rooms include the balcony which overlooks a huge fireplace and the airy garden room which features two ancient oak trees, fairy lights and ferns.
The Brass Lantern is a dinner restaurant that opens at 5pm but the days change according to the lake season. You choose from a menu that’s ranges from steak to salmon but the house specialties are slow roasted prime rib, USDA grade filet mignon and local lobster tail. Chocoholics will love the signature dish which is Turtle Pie.
One of the things you’ll love about The Brass Lantern is that it may be high quality food but you can dress casual so you can enjoy a fabulous day out in LBL and still go straight on to somewhere more than decent for dinner. The restaurant is kid friendly with a children’s menu and there’s also a menu of lighter options.
So, you’re enjoying a nice dinner in convivial surroundings what more do you need? How about some Boyd’s Bears or Dept 56 Villages or maybe some sterling silver jewelry or a stained glass sculpture? A every room has unique offerings for purchase. Of course, you can always buy a souvenir brass lantern to commemorate your visit.