The Kentucky Restaurant With Roots That Date Back To The 1700s
By Sarah McCosham|Published December 27, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Here in Kentucky, we take great pride in our history, lovingly preserving our town squares, old buildings, and historic sites. In Bardstown, for example, history is on proud display, celebrated in everything from the town’s historic downtown district, numerous museums (hello, My Old Kentucky home!), and attractions such as our passenger railroad and horse-drawn carriage tours. And within this vibrant village, you’ll also find the oldest restaurant in Kentucky, a place with roots that date all the way back to the 1700s.
Since the late 1700s, the Old Talbott Tavern has provided shelter, sustenance, and spirits to the good folks of Bardstown, Kentucky.
You'll find the tavern in the heart of historic Bardstown on Court Square. The address is 107 W Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown, KY, 40004.
Despite standing for well over 200 years, not much has changed inside Talbott Tavern. The original wood and stone detailing have been painstakingly preserved and cared for, and the whole atmosphere of this place is a total mood -- especially with festive decorations and a fire roaring away.
Not only is the Talbott Tavern the oldest restaurant in Kentucky, it's also the oldest bourbon bar in the world. According to tradition, the tavern, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has remained in continuous operation since 1779.
There's a reason Talbott Tavern has stood the test of time. It's a beautifully maintained establishment that's inextricably linked to everything that Kentucky stands for: history, hospitality -- and bourbon!
Have you ever dined at Talbott Tavern? Did you know it was the oldest restaurant in Kentucky? This is definitely a place for your Bluegrass bucket list!
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