The Old Talbott Tavern

4.3 ( 2691 reviews )
107 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
+1 502-348-3494
The Old Talbott Tavern, located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, offers an exceptional dining experience steeped in rich history. With positive feedback lighting up the reviews, this American restaurant impresses not only with its atmosphere but also with its delectable menu. Many diners rave about the signature dishes; Chuck Gumbert calls the shepherd's pie “the best I’ve ever had,” while K Roberts highlights the walnut chicken and cornbread with bourbon butter as standout items that embody comfort and flavor. The tavern also boasts an impressive drink selection. Customers have noted expertly crafted cocktails, especially the old fashioners, which further enhance the dining experience. Notably, the outstanding service provided by staff members like Emily and Haley consistently garners high praise, making guests feel both welcomed and valued. The Old Talbott Tavern is not just a meal; it promises an evening of exploration and entertainment, from live music to the fascinating history of Jesse James. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, this tavern is a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious food, exceptional service, and a slice of Kentucky’s rich heritage.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • On-site services
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Highlights
    • Fast service
    • Fireplace
    • Great beer selection
    • Great cocktails
    • Great dessert
    • Great wine list
    • Live music
  • Popular for
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings
    • Alcohol
    • Beer
    • Cocktails
    • Coffee
    • Comfort food
    • Food
    • Happy-hour drinks
    • Small plates
    • Spirits
    • Wine
  • Dining options
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Catering
    • Dessert
    • Seating
    • Table service
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Historic
  • Crowd
    • Groups
    • Tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs
    • Kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot

Reviews For The Old Talbott Tavern

Chuck Gumbert
Jul 13,2025
Our family came back here 2 times in 2 days and I would be eager to bring more people back here. The rich history, outstanding food, and amazing service were second to none. Our server, both nights somehow luckily, Emily was just outstanding!! She took the time to talk to us about the history of the locale, made drink as well as dinner recommendations and could not have been more spot on. The shepherds pie is quite literally the best I’ve ever had. I sampled all of the old fashioners and unsurprisingly, all fantastic as well. This place MUST be a stop for anyone seeking an amazingly priced meal that satisfies at the highest level, accompanied by some of the best service we’ve had. Thank you so much Emily! We can’t wait to return!
K Roberts
Jun 5,2025
Absolutely Fantastic Experience! From start to finish, our visit was unforgettable. The walnut chicken, pot roast, bread pudding, and cornbread with bourbon butter were all absolutely delicious—each bite was full of flavor and comfort. The drinks were on another level—expertly crafted and worth the visit alone. Special shoutout to Haley, our server, who was truly the best we’ve ever had. Friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. After dinner, we took a stroll to explore the fascinating history of Jesse James—a unique and fun addition to the night. We capped it off with another drink while enjoying some fantastic live music. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for great food, great service, and a memorable evening.
Chad Green
Jun 3,2025
This is our first visit to Bardstown and The Bourbon Trail. Our first stop is at The Old Talbott Tavern. We got a couple apps and we tried the Bourbon Glazed Pork Chop. The Bourbon BBQ meatballs and the Fried Banana Peppers were both great. Never even seen fried banana peppers before but they were great. The old bar down below was great as well. The oldest bourbon bar in the world. The drinks there were great. We both loved the feel of this old gem.
Kyla Boyd
Jun 1,2025
Great atmosphere and phenomenal food! The beer cheese is the best we've had so far, the bourbon mango pork chops were perfect! My only complaint is the burgoo tasted similar to just a spicy vegetable soup with meat thrown in.
Catalina Mackenzie
May 14,2025
Taylor was a great bartender! Really impressed with her bourbon knowledge and suggestions. Made our group feel so welcome this past Saturday! Will definitely come back for another Sidecar named Desire! Thank you Taylor for making our visit amazing!
Lisa Riley
May 11,2025
Have stayed here multiple times but was excited to see some of the room renovations during our most recent visit. Definitely a refresh of a beautiful old historic space. Loved being able to make tea in the room to sip by the window on a cold rainy day. The sound machine in the room was a nice addition. The location is perfect. Centrally located so you can walk to restaurants and shops. The staff are true ambassadors to Bardstown and are welcoming, cheerful and knowledgeable. When you visit, be sure to take time to learn about the history of this building and its famous guests that include Jessie James, Lincoln, General George Rogers Clark and Patton!
Aswan Alhamdani
Apr 29,2025
We had an incredible time at the Old Talbott Tavern! From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in the rich history of the place. We took a tour and learned some fascinating stories — including the legend of Jesse James and his stay at the tavern, which truly brought the past to life. For dinner, we enjoyed the roast beef and the walnut chicken — both dishes were absolutely delicious. The roast beef was tender and full of flavor, while the walnut chicken had a wonderful sweet and savory combination that made it stand out. For dessert, we couldn’t resist the bread pudding, and it did not disappoint — warm, comforting, and the perfect way to end the meal. We’d also like to give a very special thank you to our waitress, Haley, for her outstanding service. She was incredibly friendly, attentive, and made sure we were taken care of throughout the evening. Her warm personality really enhanced our experience. We highly recommend visiting the Old Talbott Tavern — whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a great meal in a unique setting, it’s a must-stop destination!
Nick T
Apr 19,2025
We ate here for dinner on the bourbon trail. I have the Bourbon Pecan crusted chicken with masked potatoes and a side salad. It was delicious and perfectly cooked. Juicy and hot with an outstanding crust. The cornbread and bourbon butter were also very tasty. The service was attentive and friendly. We will definitely be back and recommend this place to other visitors.

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