Old Talbott Tavern - BourbonSphere

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner a The Rickhouse in Bardstown

Candlelight, dark wood, bourbon barrels, and exposed brick are all romantic elements at The Rickhouse in Bardstown for an elegant meal on your getaway. This stalwart restaurant and lounge is one of the most popular date spots in town. They are located in the lower basement level of the historic Spalding Hall building, which exudes …

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We love to recommend a handful of romantic restaurants in Bardstown to couples on a getaway. A newcomer and quick favorite, Toogie’s Table offers a creative menu with modern takes on Southern favorites. Pair that with a lovely wine list and flavorful craft cocktails, and you’ll have a memorable meal on your hands. While The Rickhouse in Bardstown has the classics down pat, Toogie’s Table offers a second choice for elegant date nights.

Your hosts at our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast offer the very best in hospitality and attention to detail. From the gourmet breakfasts served each morning to the perfectly appointed rooms with plush beds and fine linens. Plan your romantic trip and discover all the exciting things to do in Bardstown, KY. Our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast is in a great central location, tranquil setting, and everything needed for a luxurious romantic getaway in Kentucky. Book your lodging today!

The Rickhouse in Bardstown & More Romantic Restaurants in Bardstown

The Rickhouse in Bardstown is definitely one of our favorite choices for dinner for those on a romantic getaway in Kentucky. However, it’s not the only place we recommend for an intimate date night in town! Thankfully, the birthplace of bourbon appreciates the fine food that goes along with it.

Here are a handful of our favorite Bardstown restaurants to try during your stay:

The Rickhouse in Bardstown: One of the best ways to start your meal at The Rickhouse in Bardstown is with a bourbon flight. They have a lovely selection of rare releases for any bourbon enthusiasts. Follow this with tasty appetizers, fresh salads, and impressive steak dinners.
Toogie’s Table: This historic building has been transformed into a contemporary American kitchen that combines sophisticated classics with a regional twist. The farm-to-table menu is a constantly evolving experience that highlights seasonal ingredients and locally sourced provisions in partnership with Kentucky’s amazing farmers and distillers.
The Kitchen & Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Distillery: After a bourbon tour, bottling demo, or cocktail class, visit this on-site farm-to-table spot for fresh salads, share plates, fried chicken, and world-class cocktails. The modern space is perfect for a date night and romantic meals.
The Bar at Willett: Enjoy a romantic dinner with drinks at this bar located in the famed Willett Distillery. Salty snacks and thoughtfully prepared small plates pair perfectly with their fancy bourbon concoctions.
Old Talbot Tavern: As one of the oldest taverns in the country, serving as a watering hole since the 1700s, this historic stop in Bardstown is a must. They offer an extensive lunch and dinner menu with options like fried green tomatoes, ribeye or country-fried steak, and blackened shrimp and grits.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: Just up the street from The Rickhouse in Bardstown, you can experience more than just a meal at this unique restaurant in Bardstown. You’ll be dining in an antique train car that takes you on a scenic journey through the beautiful countryside. They offer lunch, dinner, and themed meals, making it an unforgettable experience in the heart of bourbon country.

As a guest at our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast, we love to offer our personalized service, so if you’re in need of reservations at The Rickhouse in Bardstown or any of the other Bardstown restaurants, we’d be happy to help!

A Romantic Getaway in Kentucky at our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast

While dinner at The Rickhouse in Bardstown will be a sweet highlight of your romantic getaway in Kentucky, having our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast as your homebase will be the cherry on top. When you step into the Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast, you’ll be amazed by the striking red walls, exquisite antique furniture, and the perfect blend of historic and modern amenities. Our boutique Inn stands out from other Bardstown Bed and Breakfasts in the area, as we offer services and perks that most local hotels charge extra for.

Your stay with us includes a gourmet full country breakfast each morning, which is one of the best additions to any romantic getaway in Kentucky! Additionally, we’re pleased to offer a variety of add-on packages to enhance your vacation experience with us. Our guests come from all over the country, so we strive to provide something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for two, a group celebration, or a babymoon before the arrival of your little one, we have some excellent lodging options available at our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast.

Our historic ten-suite Bardstown Bed and Breakfast is by far the best place to stay in Bardstown. When you choose to stay with us, you won’t be settling for a generic hotel experience. Instead, you’ll be treated to a memorable stay surrounded by history and luxurious amenities. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always available to ensure your stay is as enjoyable as possible. A dinner at the Rickhouse in Bardstown is just the icing on the cake1 We look forward to hosting you on your next romantic getaway to Kentucky. Book your lodging today!

The 10 Best Restaurants in Bardstown, KY

Southern favorites, innovative New American fare, casual eats, and elegant fine dining—there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants in Bardstown, KY, to explore during your stay. Our charming town is often referred to as one of the most “beautiful small towns in America” and the “birthplace of bourbon,” Both have drawn a robust culinary presence to …

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Restaurants in Bardstown, KY, photo of a happy couple eating at a local cafe

Whether you’re heading to Kentucky for a romantic getaway, bourbon-focused adventure, or celebrating a milestone, our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast is the ideal lodging choice. Our historic manor has been meticulously restored and modernized for spectacular getaways in the Bluegrass State. Relax in your beautifully-appointed guest suite, then head out on the town to sip some of the finest bourbons and dine out at the best restaurants in Bardstown, KY—that sounds like the perfect vacation to us!

Head over to our availability calendar and get your reservation on the books today!

Restaurants in Bardstown, photo of a modern chef's tasting counter for an elegant meal

The Top Ten Restaurants in Bardstown, KY, for 2023

One thing’s for sure in Bardstown—we love to eat! There’s a restaurant to suit every palate, from traditional Southern cuisine and fine dining steak houses to casual barbeque joints and decadent desserts.

Here are the top ten restaurants in Bardstown, KY, to add to your list:

The Rickhouse Restaurant: As one of the most romantic restaurants in Bardstown, KY, you’ll find world-class bourbon flights, craft cocktails, hearty steak dinners, and decadent desserts served over candlelight.
Toogie’s Table: One of the newest additions to the collection of restaurants in Bardstown, KY, this modern American kitchen is working closely with local farmers and distillers and serving creative, wholesome meals.
Old Kentucky Home Country Club: Where upscale meets casual, this country club restaurant has served fresh fare to the community for over 80 years.
The Bar at Willett Distillery: After a tour of the bourbon distillery, head to the Bar at Willett for fantastic share plates, beautiful bourbon cocktails, and an elegant atmosphere reminiscent of the speakeasy of the past. Reservations are required.
Kitchen & Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Company: For a “modern Kentucky experience,” the full-service restaurant at this local distillery is the perfect stop after a tour, tasting, or cocktail class.
Old Talbott Tavern: As one of the oldest known taverns in the US, you’ll find hearty Kentucky classics, strong drinks, and plenty of intriguing stories from the past.
Scout & Scholar: Located in the heart of town, this is one of the best restaurants in Bardstown, KY, for a fun beer flight, an excellent smash burger, and the perfect gathering place for lively discourse.
The Kitchen Table at Jim Beam Distillery: After a recent complete remodel, the Jim Beam Distillery is home to one of the best restaurants in Bardstown, KY, for a family-style meal.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: For a unique dining experience, you’ll enjoy a gourmet meal while riding in style through the beautiful countryside of the Bluegrass State.
Hurst Drugstore & Soda Fountain: Find a red stool at the soda fountain counter and watch your favorite old-school malt or milkshake made right before your eyes! Great for a casual stop while exploring downtown Bardstown, KY.

Restaurants in Bardstown, KY, photo of the Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast's dining room

The Best Bed and Breakfast in Bardstown, KY

Allow us to take care of your breakfast each morning of your stay, and head out to these lovely restaurants in Bardstown, KY, for your lunch and dinner plans. From the early hours, our elegant dining room and the kitchen come alive with pleasant aromas and hushed sounds as we prepare our award-winning full-country breakfast service for our guests. It’s the best way to start your day!

As seasoned and experienced Innkeepers, we are recognized for our excellence year after year by hospitality professionals and our valued return guests. Our historic bed and breakfast is one of Bardstown, KY’s best (and most romantic) places to stay. It’s an experience that you truly have to enjoy firsthand! You’ll see from the moment you arrive at our beautiful Manor House why guests join us time and again. We can’t wait to be your hosts; book today!

Historic Attractions in Downtown Bardstown

It’s not surprising that there are a great deal of historical attractions in downtown Bardstown, KY considering it’s the second oldest city in the state, founded in 1780. With nearly 200 buildings in the historic downtown district that are recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, it seems like at every turn or curve …

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historical attractions in Downtown Bardstown

One of the easiest and best ways to start exploring the historical attractions in downtown Bardstown is by strolling along the Historic Downtown Walking Tour. Detailed maps with routes are available and our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast just happens to be a perfect starting point to take in the sights and history of this charming old town. Plus, no walking tour is complete in the birthplace of bourbon without a taste or two from one of the local downtown distilleries.

The Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast has a long historical past as well. Erected in the 1820s, the stately home was built in the Greek Revival-style and has served many purposes before being renovated into the luxury lodging that it is today. While many tasteful and modern touches have been added over the years, the original architecture and details are still present and each guest room has antique and timeless decor. Book your room at our historical Bardstown Bed and Breakfast today!

historical attractions downtown bardstown

Come Explore: Historical Attractions in Downtown Bardstown

Thankfully, when you stay at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast you’ll be a mere minutes from all of the attractions in downtown Bardstown. There’s something for any history buff, from museums and historical mansions to bourbon tours and railways, you won’t be able to cover it all in just one weekend. Better extend your stay for a little longer!

Here are 7 historical activities in downtown Bardstown, KY that you shouldn’t miss:

My Old Kentucky Home State Park: The American composer Stephen Foster (pictured above) is honored at this state park and historical mansion with a musical called The Stephen Foster Story. The outdoor show runs throughout the summer. You’ll also be able to tour the 200 year old mansion filled with antiques and rich stories.
Old Talbott Tavern: Built in 1779, this tavern and bourbon bar is known as the oldest in the world. The historic pub in downtown Bardstown offers hearty fare with traditional southern dishes like hot browns, fried catfish, and bourbon bbq ribs. Rumor has it that the space is haunted, so be on the look out for an event of the supernatural kind.
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History: Located in the historic Spalding Hall you’ll find an extensive collection of liquor related memorabilia and prohibition-era artifacts. Make sure to set up a reservation for a fancy steak and bourbon dinner at The Rickhouse Restaurant in the bottom level of the museum building.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: This railway ride takes guests on a culinary adventure while touring the beautiful countryside of downtown Bardstown and beyond. Make a reservation for a lunch or dinner ride and you won’t be disappointed.
Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral: Known as a national landmark in downtown Bardstown, this Catholic Church was completed in 1819 and is the oldest standing cathedral in the United States. The architecture is stunning.
Museum Row: Here you’ll find a few museums dedicated to the Civil War, including a Women’s Museum chronicling achievements of heroines of the 1800s. Check out Old Bardstown Village for a look at 10 old log cabins from the 18th and 19th centuries.

historical attractions downtown Bardstown

Learn about the History of Bourbon and Take a Distillery Tour

Last but not least, you’ll want to taste some bourbon, which is one beverage that has a rich history of its own. With more than 10 local distilleries you’ll have more than enough to choose from, especially if you follow one of the routes on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

The Willet Distillery: This is one of our favorite distilleries for a tour and a tasting. The history dates back to 1936, but the family began in the distilling business as early as the late 1600s. Tours at this distillery were on pause for a bit, but as of May 1st they are back up and running. Book your reservation for a tasting and tour, and don’t forget to stop by The Bar at Willet for a classic whiskey cocktail and small plates.
Barton 1792 Distillery: Stop by one of the oldest downtown Bardstown Kentucky distilleries still operating today. Thankfully, it’s only about five minutes drive from our Bed and Breakfast and this well-known bourbon maker offers the tours and tastings on the house!

historical attractions downtown Bardstown

Find the Best Downtown Bardstown Lodging at our B&B

For those who are here to explore the historical attractions in downtown Bardstown, you’ll absolutely want to choose our historical bourbon-themed bed and breakfast for your lodging. Not only will you be incredibly close to all of the action in downtown Bardstown, you’ll be fully immersed in the rich history of our stately Bourbon Manor. Additionally, our staff is as welcoming and hospitable as they come.

Our 10 guest suites are pristine and classically tailored, from the antique decor and modern amenities to the designer linens and cozy fireplaces, you’ll want to make our Inn a yearly tradition for a special getaway. Join us for a bountiful breakfast spread in the mornings and come on back for happy hour for a taste of our favorite bourbon cocktails. After a day strolling the historic streets and town square in downtown Bardstown, you’ll feel like you’ve come home. Book your room today!