Main Street Java

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Allow me to provide a review based in fact. I am from Louisville and have family that my wife, daughter and I visit, in Benton, KY. Prior to Rick starting Mainstreet Java, originally opened as a coffee shop with light breakfast for the folks that work downtown, the only other local restaurants in Benton, and indeed, in the majority of this region, catered to basic country cooking, barbecue, your typical low-fare Asian and Mexican places and fast food. And then along came Mainstreet Java.

Over the past few years, Rick, the owner and founder, has expanded his menu to include breakfast, lunch and a fantastic dinner offering. The employees at Mainstreet Java, again contrary to the previous poster's misleading posting, are incredibly friendly and responsive and go out of their way to use your name if you are a regular, and provide genuine smiles and personal service. Rick often comes out of the kitchen to mingle with his patrons, giving the restaurant a truly family feel.

So let's dive into the food. The quality is simply superior, both in freshness and in the preparation, to any other local restaurant. There are a handful of restaurants in Paducah that would be comparable, as would Patti's in Grand Rivers. Rick hand carves and prepares his prime rib, which for the money, is a bargain. It is certainly much less expensive than what I pay in Louisville and is moist, tender and generous in portion. The Ahi Tuna simply cannot be found in any other restaurant in Benton...possibly in Murray, but I am not certain where, other than one of the chain restaurants there. And again contrary to the previous poster, Rick's Alfredo sauce is made from scratch and his pasta is fresh. And it is a very excellent dish.

I have yet to make it through the entire menu at Mainstreet Java, but I have had steaks, medium rare the way I enjoy them, and they were as good as any I have had at top restaurants in Louisville. His side dishes are solid, his vegetables fresh and tasty, and his deserts are outstanding. I highly enjoy his Caesar Salad, even as he does not make his own dressing. The homemade croutons are succulent and overall it is a solid salad...bold in flavor and fresh in its design.

Without a Starbucks the only place in Benton to get a bold cup of fresh coffee, other than making it myself at my parents' house, is at Mainstreet Java. Rick offers Citavo brand coffees and they run the gambit from breakfast blend (mild) to a bold, which I prefer. The coffee certainly compliments any breakfast, and I highly suggest one of Rick's omelets, which are all delicious. My father, who lives here in Benton and is a regular at Mainstreet Java, can also confirm that Rick has the least expensive coffee of any other local restaurants ($1.18 plus free refills).

I would contend that one of the most welcome aspects of Mainstreet Java is the overall layout and ambiance of the restaurant. It is nice to walk in on a cold, winter's day to a warm fireplace surrounded by cozy chairs and couches. The rest of the restaurant is spaced out generously, the vaulted ceilings in the converted space are expansive and the dedicated area for kids is fantastic. My almost-two year old daughter loves to play in that space.

Rick offers live music on occasion, to include some great bluegrass provided by local talent. Beverly, one of Rick's top servers, always has a smile for me when I come into town and she makes being at Mainstreet Java not unlike being at home.

So if you are in the western KY area...maybe visiting Kentucky Lake, visiting family or, if you live here and simply have not been to Mainstreet Java, take some time to do so. Ask for Rick and he will come out and introduce himself. And enjoy the food and the experience. It is simply unique to this area.

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User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

I have not eaten in this restaurant, but I have ordered take out here 3 times. Each time I thought they were just having an off day. What service I did receive was HATEFUL. I paid $6.29 plus tax for pasta with alfredo sauce and it tasted like one of those generic microwave dinners. I will not be back again. Sorry Main Street Java you had your chance.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Can't say enough good things about Main Street. The food, atmosphere and staff have always been nothing but first class.

Keep up the good work and we'll keep coming!!!!!

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