Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Had dinner, We went for 1st Friday fish. The food was OK, alot of Cajun influence. Great salad bar. The clam chowder was very thick. So many fried options, grilled shrimp or a scampi would be good. I thought the atmosphere was cold and cafeteria style. Too bad the fireplace doesn't work. Would be easy to make it a gas fireplace, would really help warm the room and the ambiance. Maybe table clothes especially for dinner. A bar would also be a great add and or a beer, wine/drink menu.

We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful State Park in our area. I am 67 years old and traveled to every national park, and most state parks in each state. It is true that Kentucky does not have the largest budgets for state parks compared with our neighbors, but what Kentucky does have is the most diverse and talented chefs at each of our state parks restaurants. I have met them, they know each other and the one thing that they all share is the thought that fresh quality food must be provided to each guest from the kitchen. Either off the menu or the buffet tables. I am under the impression that they may even have a friendly competition on which state parks restaurant serves the best meals. During the long winter months is one of the best times to visit Barkley lodge, before the summer crowds, the atmosphere is quiet, and you can really relax in this magnificent restaurant. Open Wednesday and Thursday off the menu only, and buffet Friday Saturday and Sunday. Be sure and check times. On Wednesday afternoon only two other couples were in attendance. I ordered a bacon cheeseburger, wedge fries, onion rings and drink. The 1/3 pound burger was well done, inform the waiter or waitress if you prefer medium done, fresh Kaiser bun with plenty of melted cheese, tomato, lettuce and onion. I ordered the bacon on the side and it was prepared wonderfully. Absolutely the best seasoning on the potato wedges, and wonderful whole onion, onion rings in a beer batter like coating. My son enjoyed the child’s meal battered chicken strips and fries. A very large portion of fries and three large chicken strips that he couldn’t finish eating. Cold drinks were refilled as they were drank and service was outstanding. Cost was very similar to a fast food restaurant with old charm atmosphere. Parking is adequate but be prepared for the off season construction repairs being done at the entrance. It is well blocked off and safe to walk and drive around it. Plenty of handicap parking spots and accessible to the lodge and restaurant. ******UPDATE ******* Friday evening is seafood buffet! My family hosted another couple for their first time visiting Barkley Restaurant. Menu includes Jumbo breaded shrimp, shrimp and grits, scallops, fried clams, crawfish, gumbo ,frog legs, shrimp cocktail, chicken, salmon, catfish, corn on the cob, potato wedges, and many other dishes. Salad bar, dessert bar, But the best thing ever is Chef Jack had retired at the start of Covid, and has come out of retirement to again head the restaurant again. Chef Jack is one of the best in the Kentucky Parks system. Chef Jack invited us back for Sundays buffet. Informed us that that’s when he carves off of the roasted beef.

I didn't stay in the rooms but the buffet was awesome. The shrimp were huge and very tasty. The frog legs were the best I've had in a long time. I was a huge fan of the Gumbo though. Others in the group liked it though. I would definitely recommend going there to eat. It is a little pricey but for me the shrimp and frog legs were worth it.

If you ever wondered what a resort that is ran by the post office is like, well, here it is! This place was a phenomenal architectural build when it was new. Now, it’s ran by the govt and this is a prime example of why the govt should not be operating resorts. The property is very very run down and in dire need of a private company to save it. The reviews are correct, door keys don’t work, the bathrooms are patched together. Nice towels and beds. Zero regular maintenance besides some grass cutting. Employees are honestly button pushers with zero training in running a resort. As expected, they will hire absolutely anyone, so there’s that. The breakfast buffet had green eggs, no lie, and is the worst food we have ever ate in our life. Thats pretty impressive to earn that title. We were wondering if the food in jail was better? Funny story, the indoor pool isn’t available for guests until 11am, which is when checkout time is. The outdoor pool is drained. If you have extremely low expectations but want a great view, this is your place. This would be an EXCELLENT place for a college business class field trip because it showcases the opposite of operating a successful business.

We have stayed here many times but this time was terrible. Everything was closed. No cable so no TV for 2 days. No one seemed to care. Room was decent but was like a sauna. To cool the room down we tried the AC but it only blew out hot air. The lodge is run down. We stayed on the bottom floor. When I went to get ice the vending room was filthy. I would not recommend this lodge to anyone