Author Archives: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn Named One of America’s Five Most Iconic Buffets by Fox News

OWENSBORO, Ky., Jan. 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn has been recognized as one of America’s five most iconic buffets in a recent Fox News feature highlighting the nation’s premier all-you-can-eat dining destinations. The family-owned restaurant joins an elite group that includes renowned establishments from Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Rhode Island.

Photo Caption: Enjoy a little BBQ Magic at the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn.

The Fox News article places Moonlite alongside such celebrated venues as Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and Shady Maple Smorgasbord in Pennsylvania, praising the Owensboro institution for its slow-cooked barbecued mutton and deep-rooted Western Kentucky tradition.

Operating since 1963, Moonlite has earned widespread acclaim for its signature mutton preparation, which takes 15 hours to slow-smoke over hickory wood. The regional specialty has helped establish Owensboro as a barbecue destination and showcases the unique culinary heritage of Western Kentucky.

“At Moonlite, we’re a buffet for everyone. You’ll find farmers sitting next to teachers, coal miners alongside congressmen, and millionaires breaking bread with their neighbors. That’s what real community looks like,” Patrick Bosley, co-owner, Moonlite Bar-B-Que, says.

Photo caption: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn Named One of America’s Five Most Iconic Buffets.

This recognition comes on the heels of additional national attention, with “Family Destinations Guide” declaring Moonlite “so good, it’s worth a road trip” in their recent feature. The publication praised the restaurant’s extensive buffet, traditional Kentucky recipes including burgoo, and the family’s dedication to maintaining quality standards over six decades of operation.

“We pride ourselves on remaining authentic. In a world that’s always chasing the next trend, we’re committed to the traditions that have made us who we are for generations,” Bosley says.

The Bosley family, which has owned and operated Moonlite since its founding by Hugh and Catherine Bosley, continues to uphold the traditions that have made the restaurant a beloved institution. What began as a modest 30-seat operation has grown into a destination capable of serving hundreds of guests while maintaining the personal touch and commitment to excellence that built its reputation.

Photo caption: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn is a family-owned restaurant in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Moonlite’s buffet features an array of smoked meats including the signature mutton, pork, ribs, and chicken, complemented by traditional Southern sides such as creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, baked beans studded with barbecue and fresh cornbread. The restaurant’s distinctive “dip” — a vinegar-based sauce used to baste meats during smoking — has become legendary in its own right.

“In an age of fast food, Moonlite stands out because we still cook—real food, made the way grandma used to make it. There’s no shortcut to quality, and there never will be,” Bosley says.

ABOUT MOONLITE BAR-B-Q INN

Established in 1963, Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn is a family-owned restaurant in Owensboro, Kentucky, renowned for its traditional Western Kentucky barbecue and legendary buffet. Specializing in slow-smoked mutton—a regional delicacy—Moonlite has become a culinary destination for barbecue enthusiasts nationwide while maintaining its commitment to affordable, quality dining for all guests.

Located at 2840 W Parrish Ave in Owensboro, Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn serves lunch and dinner daily, offering both buffet and à la carte options. The restaurant also ships its signature sauces and products nationwide.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit: https://www.moonlite.com

MULTIMEDIA

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Photo Caption: Enjoy a little BBQ Magic at the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn.

NEWS SOURCE: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

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Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Unveils New Wine – Pit Master Reserve

OWENSBORO, Ky. /ScoopCloud/ -- Two years in the making and the Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn is now ready to unveil a new sweet red wine that pairs perfectly with its award-winning barbecue. It's called Pit Master Reserve and it's produced by the most award-winning Kentucky winery too. It'll make you swoon at the moon.

"We've spent the past two years working to find a winery that we could partner with and we found that partner in Purple Toad Winery," Patrick Bosley, co-owner of the Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn, says. "We're excited that it's a local connection. Two Kentucky traditions have come together."

Pit Master Reserve is produced and bottled in Kentucky. It's a sweet red wine (four on the sweetness scale) and derived from Purple Toad's own fruits - Lauren's Blackberry and Paducah Blue.

The tasting and selection process took a while, but Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn finally found the perfect blend to accompany its hickory-smoked barbecue. It pairs well with their award-winning mutton and pit dip too.

"It's not a snobby wine, but a country wine that's fit for the best barbecue around. You won't hear the symphony play as you sip it, but you may catch a whisper of the banjo or the wail of the fiddle. It's sure to evoke the echoes of Bill Monroe, Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley singing, 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'," Bosley says. "It's kind of like drinking your granddad's homemade wine."

Pit Master Reserve will be distributed by Purple Toad Distributing (270-554-0010) look for it wherever Purple Toad products are carried. It's also available by the bottle or glass in the dining room at Moonlite-Bar-B-Que Inn.

About Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn:

A Kentucky tradition since 1963, Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn meats are personally selected for quality and placed in their custom built hickory-fired pits. Meats are cooked low and slow, giving them that distinctive hickory flavor. For more information: https://www.moonlite.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/MoonliteBarBQ.

About Purple Toad Winery:

Purple Toad Winery is Kentucky's largest winery. All of its fruit is American-grown and they combine modern wine-making techniques with old world knowledge to produce award-winning wines. For more information: https://purpletoadwinery.com/.

Two years in the making and the Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn is now ready to unveil a new sweet red wine that pairs perfectly with its award-winning barbecue. It's called Pit Master Reserve and it's produced by the most award-winning Kentucky winery too. It'll make you swoon at the moon.

Related link: http://www.moonlite.com/

Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Tops ‘Best of’ Lists – Legacy Continues

OWENSBORO, Ky. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn has been in business for more than 55 years and continues to make headlines in the world of barbecue. While some may sit on their laurels after more than half century, Moonlite Bar-B-Que knows that you always have to be on top of your game.

"We don't take our reputation for granted," Patrick Bosley, co-owner of the Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn, says. "We have a legacy and heritage to maintain and we work on getting better every day."

And, those efforts pay off. Year after year, this western Kentucky establishment manages to top "best of" lists in multiple capacities.

For instance, just last year, it topped CNN's list, "15 of the World's Happiest Places" and this past March, it found its way to the top of Southern Living's "The South's Best BBQ Joint in Every State 2018" and MSN's "The 50 Best Barbecue Joints in America."

One thing that sets this barbecue joint apart from others is its buffet and long-standing tradition of barbecuing mutton. The Bosleys have been cooking it since 1963 in the old fashioned Kentucky tradition. The burgoo, a kind of regional stew, is also made with mutton.

So, while its barbecue methods remain the same, its ability to remain constantly relevant in a quickly changing world, have not.

With more than 120 staff members, Moonlite has grown as a family business from a 30-seat roadside restaurant to one that now accommodates 350 seats; a USDA inspected processing plant; and an extensive catering department, wholesale division and carryout department. The staff works together to keep things going and growing at a slow and steady rate.

"We couldn't be more pleased that our brand continues to get recognition - year after year. And, we're coming up on one of our favorite months - May - 'National BBQ Month.' Let's see what happens then," Bosley says.

For more information, visit: http://www.moonlite.com/ or like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoonliteBarBQ .

The Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn has been in business for more than 55 years and continues to make headlines in the world of barbecue. While some may sit on their laurels after more than half century, Moonlite Bar-B-Que knows that you always have to be on top of your game.

Related link: http://www.moonlite.com/

Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn Celebrates Read Across America through Community Outreach Project

OWENSBORO, Ky. /ScoopCloud/ -- March 2 is designated "Read Across America" day by the National Education Association, and the Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn is taking it one step further. It's partnering with the University Press of Kentucky and the Daviess County Public Library to host community reading events every Monday night in March.

"We love the idea of 'Read across America' and wanted to do something that would bring the community together," Patrick Bosley, manager of the Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn, says.

So, during each Monday night in March from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn will host Kentucky authors:

* March 6: Stephen Vest, editor of "Kentucky Monthly."

* March 13: Wes Berry, author of "The Kentucky Barbecue Book."

* March 20: Louis Hatchett, author of "Duncan Hines: How a Traveling Salesman Became the Most Trusted Name in Food," and editor of "The Dessert Book" and "Adventures in Good Cooking," both by Duncan Hines.

* March 27: Mike Norris, author of the children's book, "Mommy Goose: Rhymes from the Mountains;" and Deirdre A. Scaggs, author of "The Historic Kentucky Kitchen: Traditional Recipes for Today's Cook."

"These are all accomplished authors and editors and we're thrilled to have the ability to showcase them through this community outreach project," Bosley says.

Wes Berry is the author of the "Kentucky Barbecue Book." He has feasted at more than 175 Kentucky barbecue places and judged competitions. He teaches American literature at Western Kentucky University and edits a blog "Wes Berry Living."

Louis Hatchett is the author of "Duncan Hines: How a Traveling Salesman Became the Most Trusted Name in Food" and editor of two of Hines' classic cookbooks, "Adventures in Good Cooking" and "The Dessert Book." He is also editor of "Mencken's Americana" and co-author of "The Continuing Crisis: As Chronicled for Four Decades by R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr."

Mike Norris has been writing stories, poems and songs for more than 40 years. His songs have been recorded by country, folk and bluegrass musicians. Most recently he wrote, "Mother Goose Rhymes from the Mountains," and has won several national awards. He's also the author of two other children's books - "Sonny the Monkey" and "Bright Blue Rooster."

Deirdre Scaggs is associate dean of the University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center and the author of "Women in Lexington" and "The Historic Kentucky Kitchen."

Stephen Vest is the publisher and editor of Kentucky Monthly, a magazine that celebrates and highlights the food, culture and people of the state.

There will be a meet and greet with authors, signed copies of books available for purchase and other fun scheduled events. It's a free event and open to the public.

"Mondays are also kids-eat-free night so we thought hosting this event on Mondays would make for a fun night out for families," Bosley says.

For more information, check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoonliteBarBQ or visit: http://www.moonlite.com/.

- Photo for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0215-authors-moonlite-300dpi.jpg
- Photo Caption: Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn hosts Monday night author series.

March 2, 2017 is designated "Read Across America" day by the National Education Association, and the Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn is taking it one step further. It's partnering with the University Press of Kentucky and the Daviess County Public Library to host community reading events every Monday night in March.

Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn is one of 15 Happiest Places in World Says CNN

OWENSBORO, Ky. /ScoopCloud/ -- When Patrick Bosley, manager of the Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn, learned that their heritage barbeque restaurant was named as one of 15 of the world's happiest places in not just the state, but the world, he was equally surprised as he was thrilled.

On January 16, CNN released a list "15 of the World's Happiest Places" and Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn was among them. The writer, Griffin Shea, reported that this fourth-generation, family-owned barbeque joint quite simply "tastes like home."

"We have no idea how we came to be part of this list," Bosley says. "A CNN reporter contacted us a few months back, but I had no idea where it was going to lead. We're honored and I'm planning to reach out to others on the list to share my congratulations with them too."

And apparently Griffin is not alone in her opinion. The Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn has been making people smile for more than 50 years. It's become a Kentucky tradition that serves up a very non-traditional ingredient - mutton.

Mutton, or aged lamb, has declined in popularity over the years because it takes time - something many people are short on these days. However, the folks at Moonlite Bar-B-Q continue to rely on this slow-cook method which happens over its hickory burning pit. After 12 hours, guests enjoy fall-off the bone mutton - a signature item that has brought them to world fame.

What else sets this place apart? Its barbeque buffet. According to "Gourmet Magazine," it's "spectacular" and "puts Owensboro barbeque in a class by itself."

The restaurant seats 350 guests and serves about 350,000 meals per year and its hand-built barbeque pit is equivalent to the size of four mid-sized cars stacked together. Yet, despite the volume, the place maintains its family vibe and warm atmosphere.

"We've become a dining destination," Bosley, says. "It's pretty incredible. President Bill Clinton has even indulged here."

Bosley adds that it was pretty humbling to be included on a list of the world's happiest places. Others that made the grade included Health Land Spa and Massage in Bangkok; Mary, a chocolate shop in Brussels; Ulva Island in New Zealand; Casablanca Valley in Chile; and more.

For more information, check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoonliteBarBQ or visit: http://www.moonlite.com/.

View the CNN article here: http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/16/travel/world-happiest-places/index.html

* Photo for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0125s2p-moonlite-b-b-q-300dpi.jpg
* Photo Caption: The Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn in Owensboro, Ky.

When Patrick Bosley, manager of the Moonlite Bar-B-Q-Inn, learned that their heritage barbeque restaurant was named as one of 15 of the world's happiest places in not just the state, but the world, he was equally surprised as he was thrilled.

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn Selected to Showcase in Southern Food and Beverage Museum

OWENSBORO, Ky., April 27, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn was recently selected to be part of a permanent exhibit, Trail of Smoke and Fire, in the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans. Pappy Bosley's cleaver and butcher knife, and an original menu from 1963-1965 accompanied by historical photos will be part of the installation.

The Bosley family has owned the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn for more than 50 years.

"We are the state's authority, and will continue to advise the museum and help develop the Kentucky exhibit," Patrick Bosley, a manager of the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn and also the youngest grandson of Pappy, says.

So, exactly what makes these selected pieces museum quality? The cleaver and butcher knife were wielded by Pappy from 1963 through 2013. It is conservatively estimated that he butchered nearly a quarter million mutton carcasses, helping to build the Inn's reputation for serving the best barbecued mutton in Kentucky, and perhaps the nation.

In fact, one of the most iconic meals one could order from the menu was the Mutton BBQ sandwich and a bowl of Burgoo, a traditional stew that has been the backbone of Kentucky food for the last 150 years.

Additionally, prior to World War II, the knives were forged from American virgin steel cutlery by The Village Blacksmith Company and serve as fine examples of the skilled craftsmanship occurring during that era.

Bosley is thrilled that the director of the International Barbecue Association connected them with the museum's curator, Steven Raichlen.

"The rest is history, and one that will now be well preserved," Bosley says.

About Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn:

Over the last 50-plus years, the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn has remained a family-owned and run business. Multiple generations continue to work together to keep things going and growing. What started as a roadside retreat of 30 seats, now boasts a staff of more than 120, 350 seats, a USDA-inspected processing plant, and an extensive catering and wholesale division.

For more information, visit: http://www.Moonlite.com/.

About the Southern Food and Beverage Museum:

The Southern Food and Beverage Museum is a nonprofit living history organization dedicated to the discovery, understanding and celebration of the food, drink and related culture of the South. It first opened its doors in 2008 and has recently relocated to accommodate its growth.

For more information, visit: http://www.southernfood.org/.

Photos for media:
* Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0427-pappy-cleaver-300dpi.jpg
* Caption: Pappy's butcher knife and cleaver.

* Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0427-pappy-teaching-300dpi.jpg
* Caption: Pappy teaches the next generation.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/moonlite-bar-b-q-inn-selected-to-showcase-in-southern-food-and-beverage-museum-2015-0427-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.