Photo courtesy Greater Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau

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At Mark's Feed Store (Bardstown Road location pictured), guests can experience the ultimate Louisville barbecue tradition.

Photo by Carrie Daut

Mark’s Feed Store, Louisville, KY

Take a big bite of Kentucky barbecue

by Carrie Daut | October 12, 2011

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In the South, barbecue is practically its own food group. We’ll never agree on how you spell it (Barbecue? Barbeque? Bbq? Bar-b-q?), and we’ll certainly never agree on which state does it best.

But ask a Louisvillian, and they’ll tell you – Why, the best barbecue comes from Kentucky. And in this town, the best Kentucky barbecue comes from locally owned Mark's Feed Store.

Mark’s Feed Store (the original location used to be a livestock feed store) has been a Louisville barbecue tradition since 1988. In its almost 25 years, Mark’s has been voted the Best of Louisville by Louisville Magazine nearly a dozen times, and it’s easy to taste why.

Barbecue at Mark’s is made with the finest quality pork, beef and chicken (your choice). Everything is slowly smoked using real hickory wood, and Mark's three signature sauces (original, red or hot) will keep you shamelessly licking every last drop from your fingers.

Insider Tip: Don’t worry. Mark’s signature sauces, as well as a giant roll of paper towels, are kept right there on the table. It’s the universal indicator of a great barbecue joint.

When starting off a meal at Mark’s, it’s a must to order one of their famous appetizers. Try their delicately sliced Onion Straws ($5.99 full basket; $4.99 half basket) or their spicy-sweet Honeywings ($5.99 for seven; $6.99 for ten). Can’t decide? Then get the one-of-a-kind Birds-In-A-Nest – seven Honeywings atop a pile of Onion Straws ($8.99).

This Insider also recommends the Fried Pickles ($5.29). Mmm mmm good.

For your ‘cue, Mark’s offers barbecue sandwiches and dinners that range in price from $6.79 (sandwich plus one side) all the way to $11.79 (World’s Largest Bar-B-Q Sandwich). Baby Back Ribs start at $7.99.

All the usual barbecue sides (beans, slaw, etc.) are available, but for a Mark’s specialty, ask for the Sweet “Fried” Corn on the Cob. And save room for dessert! Get the Homemade Buttermilk Pie ($1.99).

Insider Tip: On Mondays, free dessert after 4 p.m. with the purchase of an entrée! On Tuesdays, kids eat free (2 per adult dinner)!

Mark’s Feed Store has 3 locations in Louisville (Shelbyville Road in Middletown, Dixie Highway, Bardstown Road in the Highlands). Hours are Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For menu, locations and more information, visit marksfeedstore.com.