Bardstown is a town with a population of just over 13,000 people. But don’t assume that its small size means that the Bourbon Capital of the World doesn’t have a thriving (and always growing) cuisine scene. In fact, Bardstown is home to many restaurants that much bigger cities would envy, with chefs and mixologists finding the ideal balance between innovation and tradition. Below, we’ve compiled a few recommendations for travelers who love great food.
Toogie’s Table
https://www.toogiestable.com
Located at the recently renovated Bardstown Motor Lodge, Toogie’s Table takes its name Marilyn “Toogie” Dick, whose family owned the original motel — and who still lives on the property today! The restaurant is a modern American gem, with a chef-led menu that draws inspiration and ingredients from local farms surrounding Bardstown.
- What To Try: Don’t miss Toogie’s Fried Chicken, an age-old recipe with marinated apple, hot honey, whipped butter, cornbread
Mr. Tub’s
https://www.mrtubsbardstown.com
Bardstown’s craft cocktail scene got a significant boost with the addition of Mr. Tub’s in 2023. The brainchild of husband/wife power couple Newman and Rachel Miller, this downtown bar has a stylish-but-laid-back ambiance, tasty bar snacks and creative libations that — naturally — take advantage of Bardstown’s rich Bourbon offerings.
- What To Try: The Kentucky Penicillin is a supremely refreshing summer sip, with ginger, citrus, and bourbon.
Old Talbott Tavern
https://talbotttavern.com
This Bardstown culinary institution is far from new — it opened its doors in the late 1700s. But Old Talbott Tavern in historic downtown Bardstown has staying power for good reason. Within the sturdily built stone walls, you’ll find a 200+ bottle collection of incredible bourbon and a kitchen that serves up southern classics, prepared with love and care.
- What To Try: Save room for dessert! The Talbott’s classic chess pie is a decadent option — sweet, custardy and delicious.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
https://www.kydinnertrain.com
Great food and the old-school magic of train travel come together in My Old Kentucky Dinner Train — an only-in-Bardstown experience. Aboard a restored dining car from the 1940s, you’ll enjoy a mouthwatering four-course meal while traveling peacefully through some spectacular Kentucky countryside.
- What To Try: The Golden Spike Salad is a tangy arugula and romaine blend with the dinner train’s signature homemade dressing.
The Rickhouse Restaurant & Lounge
https://therickhouse-bardstown.com
Located in the basement of historic Spalding Hall (also the home of the famed Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History), the Rickhouse Restaurant & Lounge offers an intimate, cozy space and a menu that’s packed with steaks, seafood, pasta and more. And with a name like the Rickhouse, you know that this spot is going to have an excellent bourbon selection, too.
- What To Try: With roasted turkey and chicken, a delectable cheese sauce and friend pancetta, the Top of the Rick Hot Brown is an elevated spin on a southern favorite.
The Bardstown Bourbon Company Kitchen & Bar
https://bardstownbourbon.com
The Bardstown Bourbon Company is kind of like Disneyland for bourbon lovers, with a high-tech distillery (don’t miss the behind-the-scenes tour), beautiful grounds and an acclaimed restaurant and bar. The bourbon is world famous, and the food matches its high quality, with flavors that draw from both global inspirations and Kentucky techniques.
- What To Try: You’ve had tacos before — but have you tried Kentaki tacos? This specialty is made with seared ahi tuna, Korean pico de gallo and a tantalizing collard green elixir.
Scout & Scholar Brewing Company
https://scoutandscholar.com
Hold on, a craft brewery in the Bourbon Capital of the World? It’s true. Located in a wonderfully refurbished historic meeting house, Scout & Scholar is the maker of some of Kentucky’s finest beers, with a diverse, seasonally changing tap list. But that’s not all. The brewery also serves terrific food created to complement those beers perfectly.
- What To Try: The classic patty melt — turned up to 11! Scout & Scholar’s Bacon BBQ Patty Melt includes two beef patties, fried onions and American cheese between two slice of Texas toast.
Hungry yet? Learn more about Bardstown’s restaurants.