There are some places where you’d expect to find a wonderful restaurant, like a hip downtown area or a trendy neighborhood, but you’re less likely to imagine finding an incredible cafe inside of a public library. However, in the Boone County Library’s Main Branch in Burlington, that is exactly what you’ll discover. The Battaglia Deli is a one-of-a-kind library restaurant that is a book lover’s dream come true and serves up some of the best sandwiches, salads, soups, and sweets that you’ll find anywhere in Kentucky.
Located in the heart of Boone County in Northern Kentucky, the Main Branch Library is not your average place to check out books. First of all, it’s huge and looks more like a museum from the outside, and the inside is just as eye-catching.
Facebook/Boone County Public Library
The interior is centered around a large rotunda, which is open from the first floor all the way to the lights in the dome. The library, of course, holds thousands of books, but it also hosts events, live music, and has a delicious cafe that serves some of the best food in the area.
Google/Boone County Public Library - Main Library
The Battaglia Deli is located on the first floor of the library, just a few steps from the main door. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, so it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing lunch or a snack.
Google/Nathan Brown
The cafe appears to be more of a counter that sells a few baked goods and drinks, but there is much more to it than that. They offer a full menu, and even if you don’t carry a Boone County Library card, you can still visit for a meal.
Facebook/Boone County Public Library
After placing your order, you’re welcome to take a seat in the designated area near the deli, or anywhere else in the library, and they will bring your food to you. The seating pictured below is adjacent to the magazine section, which is perfect for perusing before, during, and after your meal.
Google/Boone County Public Library - Main Library
The menu consists of several hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, snacks, sweets, coffee, and more. If you need help deciding, the Cubano panini is legendary and any of the soups of the day pair perfectly with it.
Facebook/The Battaglia Deli
Everything is made fresh to order and you’ll be blown away at the quality. While many libraries only offer a mundane vending machine of chips and candy, The Battaglia Deli is a welcome addition to this already fascinating place.
Facebook/Boone County Public Library
If you have a sweet tooth, The Battaglia Deli has you covered. They often have seasonal treats, but the cannoli are especially delicious when enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee.
Facebook/Boone County Public Library
Of course, most people visit a library to check out books, but this particular Kentucky destination is worth visiting for the cafe alone. Whether you enjoy good books, good food, or both, pay a visit to this one of a kind library restaurant in Kentucky.
Facebook/Boone County Public Library
The Battaglia Deli is a hidden gem tucked inside a beautiful library. It combines a literary atmosphere with delicious food and is definitely any book lover’s dream come true. Are you from this area and did you know there is a tasty deli hidden inside the library? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Facebook/Boone County Public Library
Google/Boone County Public Library - Main Library
Google/Nathan Brown
Facebook/The Battaglia Deli
The Battaglia Deli is located inside the Boone County Library Main Branch at 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005. For more information, follow along on Facebook here and check out the entire menu here.
And for another library-themed dining destination in Kentucky, check out our previous article here.
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