Nestled along Highway 61 in Burkesville, Kentucky, The Bait Shop is a beloved local diner and community staple conveniently located right on the way to Dale Hollow Lake and Cumberland River access points. Despite its tackle-shop name, this cozy mom-and-pop establishment is famous among locals and passing anglers alike for serving hearty, down-home scratch-cooked breakfast and classic lunch specialties. Alongside quick, friendly service and a warm, rustic atmosphere, visitors can grab fresh minnows and essential tackle before hitting the water, making it a must-visit stop for anyone passing through Cumberland County.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and parking lot
Atmosphere & Vibe
Casual, cozy, rustic, and quiet mom-and-pop setting
Dining Options
Early morning breakfast, lunch, desserts, and quick bites
Amenities
Restroom available, indoor dining, and outdoor patio terrace
Parking & Payments
Free parking lot and street parking; accepts credit and debit cards
Reservations Policy
Reservations not accepted
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Authentic Down-Home Breakfast: Renowned for homemade classics such as biscuits with rich white or chocolate gravy, fluffy omelets, and French toast.
Convenient Angler Stop: Offers fresh live minnows and select fishing tackle essentials right on the route to Dale Hollow Lake and the Cumberland River.
Exceptional Value & Portions: Serves generous, home-cooked meals at very affordable, budget-friendly prices.
Warm Small-Town Hospitality: Welcoming, fast, and friendly staff create an inviting atmosphere where guests feel like family.
Sweet Treats: Features hard scoop ice cream in popular flavors, shaved ice, and sweet refreshers for hot summer days.
Menu & Offerings
Breakfast Menu (5:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
Item Name
Description / Options
Full White or Chocolate Gravy
Served with fresh biscuits
Large Bowl White or Chocolate Gravy
Served hot with biscuits
Half Order White or Chocolate Gravy
Portion suited for smaller appetites
Small Cup White or Chocolate Gravy
Side cup of house gravy
Sausage & Biscuit
Freshly baked biscuit with savory sausage patty
Bacon & Biscuit
Crispy bacon slices served on a warm biscuit
Chicken & Biscuit
Fried chicken fillet on a hot biscuit
Country Ham & Biscuit
Traditional cured country ham inside a biscuit
Tenderloin & Biscuit
Savory pork tenderloin served on a fresh biscuit
BLT Sandwich
Classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich
Order of Pancakes (3)
Stack of three warm pancakes
Single Pancake
Individual pancake order
French Toast
Classic slice of golden French toast
Sausage Griddle
Sweet griddle cake paired with sausage
Western Omelet
Omelet stuffed with ham, peppers, and onions
One Meat Omelet
Omelet with your choice of breakfast meat
Two Meat Omelet
Hearty omelet loaded with two meat selections
Veggie Omelet
Fluffy egg omelet packed with fresh vegetables
Cheese Omelet
Classic folded omelet loaded with melted cheese
Single Egg
Prepared to order
Tammy’s Scrambler
Signature scrambled egg and cheese breakfast creation
Breakfast Meats
Single Sausage, Bacon Order (3 pcs), Single Bacon Slice, Whole Country Ham Slice, Half Country Ham Slice
Breakfast Sides & Additions
Taters (Plain or w/ Gravy), Hash Browns, Oats or Grits, Single Biscuit/Toast/Bread
Lunch Menu (10:30 AM – 4:00 PM)
Item Name
Description / Options
Plain Burger
Classic grilled beef burger
Double Burger
Double beef patty burger
Smash Burger
Seared beef patty with crispy edges
Smash Double Burger
Double seared smash burger patties
Patty Melt
Grilled beef patty with melted cheese on toasted bread
Sloppy Joe
Savory ground beef sandwich cooked in sweet-style sauce
Chicken Fillet Sandwich
Golden fried chicken fillet served on a bun
Grilled Cheese
Classic toasted sandwich with melted cheese
Hotdog
Classic grilled hotdog
Chicken Strips
Crispy breaded tenders (Order or Single Piece)
Hamburger Steak
Grilled hamburger steak topped with onions, peppers, A1 sauce; served with slaw, fries, and a roll
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Tender grilled chicken breast served on a bun
Club Sandwich
Layered classic club with meats and fresh toppings
Ham-N-Cheese Loaf Sandwich
Slice of savory ham and cheese loaf on bread
Ham Sandwich
Sliced ham on fresh sandwich bread
Turkey Sandwich
Sliced deli turkey breast sandwich
Bologna Sandwich
Traditional fried or cold bologna sandwich
Pickled Bologna
Tangy pickled bologna slice
Pickled Egg
House-style pickled whole egg
Fish Sandwich
Fried fish fillet on a soft bun
Elephant Ear Tenderloin Sandwich
Oversized fried pork tenderloin sandwich
Chuckwagon Sandwich
Country-fried breaded beef patty sandwich
Salads, Sides, Desserts & Drinks
Item Name
Description / Options
Chef Salad
Mixed greens topped with sliced meats, cheese, and vegetables
