Northmonte, a charming neighborhood tucked away in Pikeville, KY, is a hidden culinary treasure trove that locals know as a hotspot for great eats. Whether you’re craving old-school comfort food, international flavors, or freshly baked pastries, this area blends Southern hospitality with creative kitchens and delicious surprises. Here’s your ultimate guide to eating your way through Northmonte—including cozy cafés, mouthwatering bakeries, lively food trucks, and every local favorite that makes the neighborhood a foodie haven.
Main Street Mains: The Restaurant Row
Start your Northmonte food journey along Main Street and the intersection of Northmonte Avenue—a cluster of established eateries and new upstarts that keeps this part of Pikeville buzzing.
- Craven’s Table (corner of Main & Northmonte Ave): The go-to for Southern comfort food and a fixture in the community, Craven’s Table draws crowds with their hand-battered fried chicken, biscuits as big as your hand, and legendary banana pudding. The vibe is warmly retro, with mismatched chairs and family photos along the walls. Most mains are $12-$18, making it approachable for anyone who loves generous portions and down-home flavor. Don't miss their “Meet & Three” special.
- Basil & Oak Woodfired Bistro (325 Northmonte Ave): A slightly upscale-but-laidback spot where woodfired pizzas, hearty pastas, and crisp local salads are the highlight. The aroma of basil and freshly baked bread greets you as you walk in. Their Margherita pizza ($14) and house-made ricotta gnocchi ($16) are favorites. Perfect for date nights or lingering family dinners with a menu that balances rustic charm and innovation.
- Sabor Latino Grill (near Northmonte Park): If you’re in the mood for something vibrant, Sabor Latino offers a mix of Puerto Rican and Mexican classics—think mofongo, sizzling chicken fajitas, and house salsas from scratch. Prices range from $10-$20, and the energy here is infectious, drawing Pikeville’s Latinx community and curious foodies alike.
Where Coffee and Conversation Flow
Every neighborhood needs a gathering spot, and Northmonte delivers with cozy cafés that know how to serve a proper cup alongside killer baked goods.
- Redbird Roasters Café (next to Northmonte Library on Maple Street): The smell of fresh-ground beans fills the air here. Locals line up for their house specialty, the Kentucky Bourbon Latte, and maple pecan scones ($4). The café evolved from a bookshop and still features shelves packed with local authors. In addition to coffee, they offer light brunches with quiche, salads, and fresh fruit.
- Sunrise Bakery & Café (behind Pikeville General Store): Famed for cinnamon rolls the size of your face, Sunrise Bakery opens early and sells out of favorites like their honey wheat bread by noon. Grab a seat on the wraparound porch with a cup of Pike County blend coffee or one of their seasonal fruit danishes ($3-$5). The key lime pie here is easily the best in town.
Food Trucks: Mobile Flavor Adventures
Sometimes, the best food in Northmonte is found on four wheels.
- Hillbilly Hibachi (usually parked at the Northmonte Farmers’ Market, Saturdays): Serving up fast, fiery Japanese-style hibachi with a Kentucky twist—smoky grilled chicken, steak, or tofu over buttery rice with a side of pickled veggies ($10/$13). There’s always a line, so show up early.
- The Cauliflower Cowgirl (rotates between Elm St. and Northmonte Park): Vegan and vegetarian eats even meat lovers adore. Their quinoa chili, sweet potato tacos, and cashew queso are favorites with health-conscious locals. Most dishes cost between $8-$12 and their vegan brownies are legendary.
Sweet Tooth Satisfaction
Northmonte has a way of delighting dessert lovers well beyond the usual.
- Granny Etta’s Pie Stand (312 Northmonte Ave): Open weekends only, Granny Etta bakes old-fashioned pies the way your grandma used to—think bourbon pecan, chocolate chess, and apple crumble, all made from scratch and served by the slice ($4). The homey yellow house with flower boxes is easy to spot.
- Pikeville Ice Cream Parlor (across from Northmonte Playground): A retro spot with homemade ice cream, malts, and sundaes. Try local flavors like Appalachian blackberry or maple walnut. With cones starting at $3, it’s become a meeting spot for families and teens after games and park visits.
Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
Beyond the buzz, Northmonte’s food scene hides a few special spots foodies in-the-know love to whisper about.
- Pho on Fourth (just off Northmonte, on Fourth Street): This unassuming Vietnamese eatery specializes in steaming bowls of pho, fresh spring rolls, and banh mi sandwiches. The broth simmers overnight for the perfect depth and balance, and you can slurp a comforting bowl for $13. A must-visit on rainy days.
- The Larder at Oak & Elm (corner of Oak & Elm Streets): A micro-market meets pint-sized deli that does picnic baskets and charcuterie boards packed with Kentucky cheeses, smoked hams, crusty baguettes, and local pickles. Perfect for grabbing provisions before a walk in Northmonte Park ($10-$25 per box). The shop also hosts monthly tasting nights.
Local Food Traditions
No Northmonte food story is complete without mentioning the annual Northmonte Taste Fest each fall. Local restaurants and food trucks set up stalls along Main Street, offering tasting portions and live music. It’s a beloved tradition—look for the “Pikeville Pimento Cheese Throwdown” and the pie-baking contest that gets fiercely competitive.
Final Bites
Northmonte shines as a neighborhood where local flavor rules—where pie recipes are guarded like treasure, Saturday coffee dates are a ritual, and food trucks send word-of-mouth excitement through the community. Next time you’re in Pikeville and looking for a truly unique meal, start in Northmonte. You’ll find memories on every plate, and likely leave with a few new favorites.