I'm a big fan of KFC. Growing up, my mother used to take us out once a month for a bucket of the Colonel's crispy fried chicken with mashed potatoes and coleslaw. I saw several of my Yelp friends recommend a stop at the Museum and I was all in. I could hardly contain my excitement, seeing the iconic bucket marquee. Outside, in the perfectly manicured lot, stand petroleum artifacts from the Sanders early days as a gas station owner. A historical plaque describes the site. The Museum stands where Harland Sanders (the Colonel) once owned a small neighborhood restaurant, called Sanders. Here, his famous fried chicken took root. Inside, is a modern KFC counter. I be placed my order and was given a beeper. The Museum is filled with artifacts from 1940's to present including Sanders furniture, kitchen ware and an evolution of KFC logo packaging and trinkets. My favorite part of the exhibit was a video of Sanders describing how to prepare his chicken. I was truly inspired by his story as an entrepreneur. My lunch was fresher than any KFC that I had ever had. The chicken was crispy and flavorful. The coleslaw was so brightly colored that I knew it was made within the hour. And the potatoes took me back to my childhood. We spent about an hour total at the museum. There is no charge, except your meal. Restrooms are clean. The museum is fun and interesting. I highly recommend a stop, especially if you're a KFC fan. read more

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Original Colonel Sanders location interesting to see nostalgic memorabilia. Food was good. Not much difference from normal franchise locations. Except lots more gravy on the mashed potato's. It's a normal walk up fast food. Some original items from original store. read more

I really like KFC in general and this place is really cool. The museum is neat and the food tastes better than ours back home. There was a guy playing some sort of Indian flute in the parking lot when we visited. He told us some good stories and played a few tunes. Definitely worth checking out. read more

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I've been wanting to take a road trip here for a while. This was a really cool museum. I was surprised how much stuff there was. Then when you're done looking at all the museum stuff, you go to the counter and order chicken. This is a great spot for a road trip. read more

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This was the busiest KFC I have ever been to but also the cleanest and friendliest. Staff was kind and efficient. The food came out warm and juicy. On top of that there was so much to see! They had three dining areas with different themes to each. This place was swarming with history. If you're passing by I definitely recommend this location! 5 star fast food. read more

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Step back into history! Loved the story and the food is amazing! Regular or extra crispy meals with lots of photo ops! Original kitchen! Gas pumps! Even dishes and glassware on the old fashioned table! read more

As a true Kentuckian, it has been on my bucket list for forever to visit the OG KFC. My past couple of visits near Corbin were during the very long renovation of this museum. Once we finally found out that it had re-opened, we decided to take a day trip down to be able to cross it off once and for all. Did it live up to my expectations? Completely. In fact, I'm glad we waited until after it had been upgraded, because it seems like it has a whole lot more now than what it used to. It is a pretty small museum, but it's free. It also has a KFC restaurant attached so... of course you gotta get some fried chicken to complete the experience. Even though you'll get through it all in probably 30 minutes or less, what you do get to see is really cool - A lot of memorabilia and how KFC has evolved over the years. One of the most interesting things to me was how KFC is different in other countries! This makes for a really cool road trip stop. If you're a fan of the herbs and spices, this is a must for your bucket list! read more

Horrible. Food served cold. Clueless team, extremely disorganized. 30 minute wait for crispy chicken. The honey is honey sauce, very little honey. The Colonel is turning over in his grave. Do better! read more

I went with the idea this would just be a nonsensical waste of time. I was wrong. The place is historical. What is even more historical is the chicken served. It was actually like "the good old days" where the chicken pieces were of ample size and tasty. read more

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Can you really say you've visited Kentucky without stopping by the first KFC? In Corbin, you can see where it all began and it's absolutely worth a visit. This KFC isn't just a restaurant - it's also part museum. You'll find inspirational quotes from Colonel Sanders, exhibits about his life and history, and even a recreation of what the original KFC kitchen looked like. There's also a lot about how KFC expanded and influenced the world. Parking is super easy with a spacious lot, and the bathrooms were very clean. You can grab some exclusive KFC merchandise here and of course things from the standard KFC menu. Overall, a fun and iconic stop that's definitely worth adding to your Kentucky trip! read more

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If this place isn't already on the short list of places that you should go, it needs to be! Literally the first KFC, this place is an absolute gym as far as roadside America type spots go. We were driving up from Chattanooga to Indianapolis, and decided to take a one hour detour after one of our sons asked if we could visit the first KFC. It was a fantastic detour! It's set up as a combination museum and KFC. It's reminiscent of a little older style of fast food place, but certainly very familiar. You order, you look around, you grab your food, and you scarf! There are opportunities to buy KFC swag, which I highly recommend! They also have an incredible amount of memorabilia through the years, as well as some great history about the founder, the expansion and the drama that surrounded the chain that is now America's most recognizable chicken! It's located in the middle of a small town in the middle of Kentucky, and as previously stated, if you have a chance to go here, it is totally worth your while! read more

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The museum was very interesting and well set up. Best French fries, and normally I do not order fries at KFC. Enjoyed the tour.

This is an amazing experience for those who love this yummy fried chicken as this is the first restaurant that's full of a museum as well leaving everything for you and a chicken wing! There is something around every square inch of this museum including a full KFC restaurant so you can grab a bite to eat as this was some of the best chicken I've ever had from KFC! This tells the story of it's founder Harland Sanders and how his chicken came about it shows the INN that he had as well as all the buckets of the past and you know the kitchen sink is here too! If your a fan of the brand then I highly recommend coming here if your in the area looking for something cool and quick then come get some chicken you'll be stoked you did! Overall the first location is always a cool thing to visit and when combined with a museum you know you're in for a good time so do yourself a favor and visit because it's totally fried! read more

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KFC? What? The Original KFC? Wait! You can do the drive! It's not too far from Louisville so JUST DO IT! And so I did. I've not eaten KFC in some time but there is some history to this place so I need to make the journey. Nice drive from Louisville so if you're in the area you should make pay homage to the original KFC and visit history. It was good to learn about Harland Sanders. It was good to see the original recipe is still the ORIGINAL recipe. Gas was $.18 per gallon. I could not find a sign or some literature explaining the pricing of the chicken back then but I can just imagine; especially if gas was $.18 per gallon. The biscuit is still the same and in fact, better that what I remember it to be. Of this visit, I enjoyed the museum most of all. Fun fact- KFC now owned by Tri continental global foods (NYSE symbol YUM) read more

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I'm not sure if everyone knows this but the 'K' in KFC stands for Kentucky... I'only m kidding as this fact is perhaps quite obvious since KFC is an internationally recognized fast food establishment with over 30,000 locations in over 145 different countries. It didn't start out that way though, it was humbly born right here in Corbin, Kentucky where 50ish year-old Harland Sanders was operating his gas station and motel. He perfected his chicken recipe in these very walls and the rest was history. It was quite inspiring to read about the history and story of Colonel Sanders here and the continuous tenacity and pursuit of greatness he had. He had so many ups and downs in his life and still achieved great success, even later on in his life. The museum reflects his intense values with a staff member specifically focused on cleaning every nook and cranny of the establishment. The restaurant is just your standard KFC so don't expect much on that front. However, there is some nice merch that is available for purchase. A great one time visit if you're in the area of Corbin! I'd say it's worth the drive as there's also a Buc-ee's not too far off either. read more

Yessss so happy to have been able to stop here on our long weekend. Love me some fried chicken read more

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum - Cafes Near Me - Corbin, Kentucky

I don't eat a lot of KFC lately. Living in Charlotte where Bojangles Chicken 'n' Biscuits is based, I've become accustomed to their taste and texture. As well, I think something changed in the KFC recipe a few years ago and I just don't enjoy it like I used to. But to come here and see the very first KFC? See the history of the world's most famous chicken dude? Heck, yeah! There's a lot to see. A collection of memorabilia. Videos with interviews, the Colonel making chicken from scratch and classic KFC commercials. A history f the company and their worldwide expansion. A mock up of a Sanders motel room. And of course, a full KFC restaurant that also sells KFC merchandise. Well worth it, especially since it's just off I-75 between Lexington and Knoxville. Don't miss it! [Review 20150 overall - 191 in Kentucky - 1126 of 2023.] read more

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On our way back home we decided to stop at the original KFC and Museum. Very interesting museum on Harland Sanders life and business venture they became a worldwide icon himself and his business. Spent more time than we thought we would. Very interesting and was quite busy as more and more people stopped in. Of course we had to have a few pieces of his famous chicken. Definitely an interesting place to stop and learn the heritage. read more

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Interesting facts about KFC. Typical KFC meal. There are some neat gifts and souvenirs also. read more

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum - Cafes Near Me - Corbin, Kentucky

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I knocked a bucket list item off my list when I visited the Sanders Museum & Cafe - the site of what would become the empire known as Kentucky Fried Chicken - in Corbin, Kentucky in December 2023. Harland Sanders was a Hoosier turned Kentucky entrepreneur turned Kentucky Colonel who remains an icon of American popular and food culture even 40+ years after his death. The museum includes original items from the motel he operated and a wild collection of all things KFC, from buckets to Crocs, hats to photographs. Even the Colonel's suit is on display. I had a breast and a leg with mashed potatoes and both were delicious. It was truly a moment to have a spork at the OG KFC. My mom had a chicken fried sandwich that she loved and declared better than Chick-fil-a. It was indeed tasty. No matter how you feel about fast food, I recommend everyone visit when in the area. It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Kentucky Historic Place. It's truly an American icon. read more

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The museum and cafe were cute and clpeople were friendly and the food, well it's KFC. read more

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We were in Kentucky and thought we should go visit the birthplace of KFC here in Corbin. The free museum chronicling Sanders' life and his chicken business was very interesting. They had a little video playing in one area and a variety of displays throughout the seating areas of the cafe. The museum was the best part, the food not so much. We just wanted a light snack to share, so opted for the 12-piece nuggets. When we got our order, we both thought they made a mistake and gave us a smaller number of nuggets cuz the box was so small. When we dumped them out, there were ten actual nuggets and some scraps of coating which supposedly made up the missing two nuggets. Not worth complaining about, but they need to do a better job of counting. Then they charged us for water. Reduced rate from an actual soda or tea, but really?! read more

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Amazing museum and cafe all in one! Enjoyed the history and a 2 piece meal at Sanders Cafe and Museum! The birthplace and first KFC from Harland Sanders beginning days. Memorabilia and a full education on the beginning of KFC! Full menu and a delightful stop! read more

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My granddaughter went with kids chicken finger meal. While my wife decided on a soupy chicken bowl (not best). I went with a spicy chicken Sandwich combo. This is a Military friendly location. If you ever wanted to know anything about Col Sanders history this is the place. Lots of flare and lots of history. read more

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This is definitely a must stop if you're in the area! Not only is it a museum but you get to eat while you're in the museum, when does that ever happen!! Not to worry though, there are a couple of super friendly folks sweeping up the crumbs and keeping the place nice and clean! Of course they've got the ever famous fried chicken and all the fixin's, cooked piping hot and ready in just mere minutes. This place is set apart by it's history and rather extensive museum, everything you could imagine Kentucky Fried Chicken! The kitchen, the dining room, a bedroom, they've got it all, even the secret recipe under lock and key! They are pretty busy so that chicken may take a little extra time, just enough to get started on the history lesson! read more

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Perfect amount of... -distance from the freeway (75)... -Size of a museum to stretch legs on a rest stop... -Wait time for food... -Available options to pick from at the KFC cafe... Nice little road side attraction to anyone passing through Corbin KY. The original KFC, Sanderrs Cafe. Has a KFC inside the museum. And some fun items to show the history of how KFC became KFC. Plenty of room to dine in. Plenty of space for large groups. A must see attraction. read more

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I came here because I was in KY and if you've never been here, you haven't been to KY. Also I came here because I went to Mrs Sanders' restaurant and therefore able to provide a review with some amount of insight. First off, this is a long drive, even for me driving from Columbia, KY - almost 2hrs - PLUS the time difference... it felt like forever. But I was determined to go just to satiisfy my curiosity. So driving up to the restaurant I could see it from a distance because it had bright flashing lights (like Vegas). I know it isn't but it's my first time seeing a fast food restaurant decked out like that. Anyway, parking was free and abundant. Before entering you'll see signage with history of the establishment and the man. There's also a mock gas station there. The side of the building had their claim to spices. Inside there was a kiosk where you could register yourself and possibly get on their mailing list. It's been over a month, I haven't received anything. Don't know why I did it anyway but I did .... duh. Pass thru the second set of double doors, there was a showcase displaying all their souvenirs. I bought a fridge magnet of the infamous Bucket. To the left of showcase, was the counter to place orders. To the back, more history fleshed out. To the right, dining hall. Within the dining hall there was a mock up of the motel that Sanders operated. Interesting read. Inside, towards the back of the dining hall was a separate room filled with more history and KFC items from around the world. And there in the corner sits the old man. Picture taking spot. Inside the dining hall there's another of him holding the signature bucket. Now the food. Between the Mrs and his, I much prefer the mrs'. The man's chicken was just like any KFC, the meat was oily, the skin was soft and salty. Overall, nothing really stood out to me as special or better. Not sure why I was expecting it to be different but it wasn't any different except it was the birthplace of KFC. Definitely a tourist spot. read more

This is a fun stop and easy to access from the interstate... super clean and very nice employees... wonderful amount of history and information in the museum which is part of the restaurant. They also have a nice array of souvenirs including a really sweet magnet! Highly recommend stopping here for a cool piece of Americana! read more

When in Kentucky for a business trip, why not do tourist things in between? In route to Appalachia I had to stop at the original KFC. The structure has parts of the original Sanders Cafe. It sits on the property where he had a hotel and gas station. It has different sections in which explains the history of how Colonel Sanders began, the original kitchen, and how a room at his hotel was like. There are many dining areas. The chicken is different from the KFC back home. It was crispy and flavorful, not greasy. The service was quick and the staff is friendly. read more

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum - fried chicken and macaroni and cheese - Cafes Near Me - Corbin, Kentucky

Yelp says closed but is definitely open! I would call ahead first. I love the original chicken! We stop here everytime we pass through on our way to Tennessee read more

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum - Cafes Near Me - Corbin, Kentucky

You know KFC is always hit or miss you never know if it's gonna be a home run or if it's gonna be terrible so you know we were here at this original Harland Sanders, café museum and had a good time that's a good food. Got to explore take some photos and just live a lot of history so it was fun. read more

I saw the sign and immediately knew I needed to visit! The tourist in me loves a good museum and attraction! Sanders cafe and museum did not disappoint. Easy to find with signs leading to it and plenty of parking! There's a drive thru but definitely go in if you have the time! It's very clean and service was so kind and quick. It was the best KFC food I'd ever had. Very fresh and tasty, with no lack of quality in every item. The whole restaurant has seating in parts of the museum. It gives the history of the location in many forms. Watching the development through commercials, sponsorships, and merch was very fun to see how the colonial came to be! Very fun! read more

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Great place. Fun visit. Excellent information. food Yummy. Just could not not stop by on my way to Ft Knox. It is worth the drive. Lots to see. I love KFC and the food here was not disappointing. This may was sharp in what he created. Didn't know about the hotel or that Corbin is half way from Fl to MI. You will have fun. Purchased a magnet that I have been to where it all began. May 2023 read more

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum - Cafes Near Me - Corbin, Kentucky

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The museum is great! It follows along the giant dining space. But to be honest, it was the the worst KFC I have had at 37 years old.

You'd think they'd have their best employee at the register for such a high profile/historical place but instead of being greeted by a smile and "welcome to the Sanders Cafe and Museum", we got "dine in or take out?" from a kid who had a bit of an attitude. One of the ice machines didn't work and the fries were overcooked. There's a huge pole in the middle of the parking lot that I assume once had a lighted KFC sign but it must have gotten blown out in a storm and looked terrible. Luckily the chicken was good, the museum had a great collection and lots of interesting facts. read more

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So this whole history of fricassee experience is new for the post plague world?!? cooooll... serious, I didn't have a clue, just passing through on a slow crawl home trying not to tear the gold car up any worse than it already is (hint: everything behind that three-oval mess on the grille is a mess.) Came through mid-afternoon and was feeling a bit peckish so yeah, chicken with a bit of history sounds delicious! ...and on the overhead the Colonel can be heard giving directions on a multi-stop driving tour of the countryside. welcome to the world as Harrland hoped to see it! the exact opposite of fast food, not slow as slow goes but relaxed, so relaxed that you can get a room and have a nap and wake up and wash up and have another meal. we're looking at slow with a purpose. there's lots of non-food stuff to get your attention including the contents of an actual motel room and a diorama and a dining room and display cases full of who knows how much who knows what... and there's the usual KFC food offerings. the logistics and geography surrounding Nashville Hot Kentucky Fried Chicken makes my head hurt a little but a sip lemonade cleared that right up. yea lemonade and original recipe chickens! ...my mother would occasionally tell us stories about growing up near Nago. A favorite topic was food and nutrition and a favorite story was how the people of Okinawa used to be the healthiest and longest lived people on the planet... and then the United States Armed Forces introduced the Colonel's chicken to an unwitting populace... ain't nothing been the same since :-\ read more

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Just off of I75 so worth a stop. Not the original building but done nicely. It is really a super fancy KFC but fun. read more

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Right where it all started...in Corbin, Kentucky! Unfortunately, due to a cafe and museum remodel, only the drive thru was open during our visit. We did go through the drive through and got some yummy food but it was the experience of being in the place where it all started that gave me thrills. Luckily a remodeling contractor foreman gave us a sneak peek inside the almost-done remodel. This place will be a great homage to the iconic Colonel Sanders and his creation when completed. Go KFC! read more

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Well, I couldn't be this close and not stop. A very cool museum place with all sorts of KFC and Col Sanders memorabilia. It's also got a KFC restaurant inside and I swear to goodness it's the best KFC chicken I've ever had. Lots of room to walk around and some neat displays to view. The museum is just part of it, there's no fee or anything other than for food you might order. read more

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absolutely amazing,chicken taste totally different than any other place,, worth to travel here ,Corbin,Ky. my husband and were there this past weekend for 4th of July,,small town very nice people read more