From childhood through our college years, it seemed our bodies could digest anything we shoveled into them. After a night of college drinking, nothing tasted better than a 24-hour old convenience store hot dog, bratwurst, or stale doughnut early in the morning. Besides, how much worse could we feel at that point. As we got older, our stomach’s tolerance for heavily processed foods having waned, and perhaps having a few more dollars in our wallets, we learned to steer clear of the “fresh” food aisle at convenience stores and truck stops. Oddly enough however, not all these greasy spoons are the same and you don’t have to go too far Off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to find the best sausage, perhaps in the country.
From the outside, the 150 Quick Stop off Springfield Road in Bardstown, Kentucky looks like any other truck stop in Rural Community, USA. Ask any local, or anyone visiting that has visited the truck stop and you’ll hear a common theme, go early and get a sausage biscuit. The food service counter at the Quick Stop isn’t your ordinary greasy spoon. For years, the 150 Quick Stop has been the home of Jake’s Fresh Country Sausage. Ground daily and seasoned with a secret recipe of red pepper, salt, sage, and who knows what else, Jake’s Country Sausage is some of the best processed meat south of the US/Canadian border.
When you are told to get there early, this isn’t a joke, it is not uncommon for the Quick Stop to sell hundreds of fresh sausage biscuits every day, and even sellout. Even if you cannot get a biscuit, grab a pound or two of either Jake’s original or hot country sausage. Perfect with eggs, gravy, or almost anything else. The sausage is so good, you can find it being served at a number of restaurants in the area, including in several of the dishes at Star Hill Provisions, the café at Maker’s Mark in Loretto.
Next time you’re in Bardstown get Off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and stop in the 150 Quick Stop and enjoy Jake’s Fresh Country Sausage, be sure to get there early and have a biscuit or two.