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    Home » Travel » Food Travel » Kentucky

    Bardstown Bourbon Restaurant (Bardstown, KY)

    Published: Jun 9, 2023 · Modified: Dec 27, 2024 · Leave a Comment

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    The Bardstown Bourbon Restaurant in central Kentucky features delicious upscale eats in a classy but casual dining area! Plus, enjoy cocktails made with their house whiskies.

    By: Alisha Trenalone
    Glass-fronted exterior of Bardstown Bourbon Company restaurant.

    Last year I visited the Bardstown Bourbon Company for a distillery tour, and it was delightful.

    But as I meandered the visitor area, I realized there was one very important experience I would miss out on: eating at the restaurant! It had already closed for the day, but it looked like such a beautiful place to eat that I knew I'd have to return.

    Sofas on either side of gas fire with drinks bar in the background.
    Seating at Bar Area

    And so, several months later on a weekend getaway that also took me to Wilderness Trail Distillery in nearby Danville, my family and I made our way back over to Bardstown Bourbon Company for lunch.

    It completely lived up to my expectations! Here's what it's like.

    Reservations at Bardstown Bourbon Restaurant

    Five days a week, the restaurant is open for lunch hours. (It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.) It can get pretty busy on the weekends, so making a reservation is a good idea, especially if you have a larger group.

    That said, our group of three went on a Sunday as soon as it opened, and we were able to get a table with no problem.

    To make a reservation or peruse the menu, head to their website.

    If you're searching instead for a quick, casual place to eat, Bardstown Burger back in the downtown area is a no-fuss option!

    If you're looking to make this spot part of a larger Bourbon Trail journey, check out our posts on the original nine trail distilleries, as well as newer ones like Lux Row, and smaller craft ones like Willett Distillery (with its reservations-only bar).

    Seating Options

    The restaurant is beautifully laid out. The enormous glass front makes it wonderfully light and airy inside.

    Indoor seating area at Bardstown Bourbon Company restaurant.
    Indoor Dining Area

    There's also an interesting wall panel made of moss that's quite visually striking.

    Restaurant at Bardstown Bourbon Company with tables and chairs in front of large moss-covered wall.
    Moss Wall at Bardstown Bourbon Restaurant

    There's also plenty of outdoor seating with shade umbrellas, as well as an outdoor bar.

    The chaise lounges scattered around look great for relaxing with friends. But they're in full sun, so we didn't see anyone using them at midday.

    Outdoor bar next to outdoor dining area and lounges.
    Outdoor Seating Area + Bar

    On the other side of the visitor's entrance, there's even more seating.

    Outdoor seating area under pergola.

    Food + Drink Options

    Besides what's listed on the cocktail menu, there's a separate list of available liquors, wines, and so forth.

    Cocktail, beer and cider menu at Bardstown Bourbon Company Restaurant.
    Drinks Menu

    I ordered an Old-Fashioned, and it was strong but smooth.

    Old-fashioned cocktail in glass.
    Old-Fashioned Made With Bardstown Bourbon

    The others ordered a local beer (West Sixth is made in Lexington) and a hard cider from a brand we weren't familiar with.

    Turns out, Blake's Hard Cider in the Peach Party variety was one of the more full-flavored and satisfying ciders we've ever tried.

    West Sixth beer with Blake's peach cider in the background.
    West Sixth Beer + Blake's Hard Cider

    The entrée menu seems to change slightly through the seasons, so there's no guarantee you'll see the same options we did.

    Starters and salads, entrees and desserts menu at Bardstown Bourbon Restaurant.
    Entrée + Dessert Menu

    My salad nicoise was fantastic, especially the smoked salmon and the (surprise!) dark purple potatoes.

    Nicoise salad with smoked salmon, potatoes, sliced boiled egg, asparagus and olives on a bed of greens.
    Salad Nicoise

    The others ordered the BBCo Burger, made with smoked gouda and caramelized onions, and the pulled pork tacos featuring sorghum-bourbon barbeque slaw and grilled pineapple.

    The burger can have add-ons of bacon and a farm egg.

    Bardstown Bourbon Company Burger with farm egg and bacon next to cup of fries.
    BBCo Burger

    The verdict? We were all in love with the flavors. The pulled pork tacos in particular got a major thumbs up, and I loved my salad.

    Three pulled pork tacos topped with pineapple and slaw.
    Pulled Pork Tacos

    The portion sizes were reasonable enough to leave us a little room for dessert, and the bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce had been calling out to us since the first moment we saw it on the menu.

    One dessert and three spoons later, we were in the kind of seventh heaven that comes after a really special meal.

    Bread pudding with caramel sauce and scoop of ice cream.
    Bread Pudding

    Coffee was served in a cute little stainless steel French press pot, just right for sharing between two or three people.

    Stainless steel French press pot next to two cups of coffee.
    French Press Coffee Pot + Cups

    On a later visit where we brought more family along, I got to try the Manhattan cocktail, and I enjoyed it even more than the Old-Fashioned.

    Manhattan cocktail at Bardstown Bourbon Restaurant.
    Manhattan

    Additionally, our party tried the fried chicken and grits (with bourbon cream sauce and hot honey!), brussels sprouts appetizer (with maple glaze and blue cheese!), and the chocolate Nutella boozy milkshake.

    Fried chicken and grits.
    Fried Chicken + Grits

    Everything on the second visit was just as delightful as the first.

    Brussels sprouts with maple glaze, blue cheese, and bacon served in cast-iron dish.
    Brussels Sprouts Appetizer
    Chocolate nutella boozy milkshake at Bardstown Bourbon restaurant.
    Chocolate Nutella Boozy Milkshake

    Having experienced two lunches here, the Bardstown Bourbon Restaurant has gone to the top of my list of favorite meals ever. I can't wait to go again. I hope you get a chance to try it too!

    About Alisha Trenalone

    I’m Alisha and I live in eastern Kentucky. Discovering good food is one of my joys in life, but you will also find me doing lots of reading and dreaming of travel. Having worked at a local newspaper for several years, I’m avidly interested in the written word and the art of sharing stories. Now I help Sarah out in various ways here at Champagne Tastes!

    More Kentucky Food + Drink Destinations

    • Roadside sign for Red River Rockhouse burgers, burritos and beer with restaurant in background.
      Red River Rockhouse (Campton, KY)
    • Restaurant entrance and sign for Mr Brews Taphouse.
      Mr Brews Taphouse (Lexington, KY)
    • Entrance to Corto Lima, a grey painted building with black awning.
      Corto Lima (Lexington, KY)
    • Indoor dining area with Mirror Twin Brewing Co. stenciled on the wall in decorative script.
      Mirror Twin Brewing (Lexington, KY)

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    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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