The Kentucky Pizza Restaurant That Puts Customers In Jail While They Eat

In Brandenburg, Kentucky, just south of the Ohio River, a rustic, red brick building overlooks the flowing waterway. A deep breath captures not only the calming scent of nature, but also the mouthwatering aroma of fresh pizza. No one could blame wanderers for being drawn to this Kentucky pizza restaurant, even when that curiosity might land them behind bars for an hour or two. That's right: Jailhouse Pizza is an iconic eatery that puts customers in jail while they eat (though, unlike previous residents, you're free to leave whenever you want). Once known as the old Meade County Jail, this historic brick building carries with it the stories of all who passed through its doors — and spent time behind its bars — while it was in use as a detention facility from 1906 until 1976.

Instead of entering through the front of the building facing the water, guests enter through a side entrance. A tour of the venue reveals the original jail cells, which guests are able to dine in, on both floors of the restaurant. Guests should watch their step as they explore the second floor, as Jailhouse Pizza also features a trapdoor (some sources allege this was part of a gallows), though thankfully it's covered by Plexiglass for safety. And yes, as with many historic buildings, there are rumors that the premises are haunted — though you'll have to judge that for yourself.

Cooked in a traditional brick oven and dressed with toppings ranging from sweet and punchy pineapples to a fierce and fiery specialty Deathrow sauce, the pizzas are as memorable as other regional specialties, such as Pennsylvania's Altoona Pizza. With names like "Electric Chair!!!" and "Kitchen Sink," the Jailhouse Pizza menu items certainly lean into the historic jailhouse theme of the venue.

One of the most popular specialty pizzas available at Jailhouse Pizza, however, is the Prisoner's Last Request. This humongous dish encourages patrons to get creative with their choice of six toppings to pair with a mozzarella cheese blend. If you need help deciding, combining pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and vegetables, for example, is an easy way to make sure the pizza is packed with flavor and doesn't skip out on savor. Don't worry about finishing such a satisfying pizza in one sitting, especially when leftover pizza is your unexpected ticket to a better salad.

Whether looking for a quaint, scenic town to learn the rich history of or looking for a place to refuel at after exploring the nearby Lewis and Clark Trail, Jailhouse Pizza is a magnet for history buffs. While not as instrumental as the tavern that played a significant role in the Civil War, the local history tied to Jailhouse Pizza and its surrounding area make it a great place to learn something new while enjoying a delicious meal.