There are so many cozy places for a cocktail in Bardstown, KY, and one place not to miss is the Bar at Willett, located at the famed Willett Distillery. It’s the perfect romantic stop for vintage whiskeys, classic and innovative cocktails, tasty small plates for sharing, and post-distillery tour nibbles. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy outdoor seating on the patio at The Bar at Willett with pretty views or be close to the action with a bar seat where you can watch the bartenders work their magic.
The Bar at Willett is also known for its fantastic and creative food options that rotate seasonally and sometimes daily, so every visit may look slightly different. It’s always fun to take a tour of the Willett Distillery beforehand, on which you’ll learn the intriguing history of this family-owned Bardstown distillery, founded in 1936. As with many stories behind these famed distilleries, they began with a dream, and Willett found so much success throughout the years, celebrating the 25,000th barrel as of 2017.
One of the most popular things to do in Bardstown, KY, is visit the local bourbon distilleries for tastings, tours, and merchandise. There is so much to explore that the best way to take it all in is on a multi-night trip, and our bourbon-themed Bardstown bed and breakfast is the ideal place to make your home base. Not only are we within minutes of some of the best distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but our stunning accommodations are elegant, romantic, and unique. Each morning, we’ll treat you to a lovely and hearty breakfast—the best fuel for heading out on bourbon tastings. Start planning and book your lodging for your next getaway today!
Bar at Willett & More Bourbon Distilleries in Bardstown, KY
Bardstown, Kentucky, is often called the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” as many bourbon distillers started here! It’s a prime destination for bourbon enthusiasts seeking tastings, tours, limited releases, and rare vintages. While not all distilleries in Bardstown offer dining experiences, when you head to the Willett Distillery, a reservation at The Bar at Willett should be on your itinerary.
Here are five bourbon distilleries near our Bardstown bed and breakfast with dining options not to miss:
- The Bar at Willett at the Willett Distillery: There’s no better way to wrap up a tour at this historic Bardstown distillery than with a cocktail and meal at The Bar at Willett. The excellent bar staff creates classic and modern bourbon cocktails with beautiful touches. You’ll see the diligent kitchen staff preparing flavorful dishes from the open kitchen.
- Kitchen & Bar at the Bardstown Bourbon Company: This modern and innovative Bardstown distillery is an excellent place for tours, tastings, and cocktail classes—after an adventure learning about bourbon, head to the on-site Kitchen and Bar for decadent fried chicken, Southern favorites, and boozy milkshakes.
- Star Hill Provisions at Maker’s Mark Distillery: After an exciting tour of this iconic bourbon distillery where you can dip your own red wax bottle of Maker’s, head to the on-site restaurant for sandwiches, share plates, and Kentucky-inspired entrees supporting local farms.
- The Kitchen Table at Jim Beam Distilling Co: This famed stalwart Kentucky distillery is a bourbon lover’s paradise! After an immersive tour profiling this distillery’s more than 200 years, head to The Kitchen Table for Southern hospitality, Beam family recipes, and an extensive list of vintage bourbons and cocktails.
- My Kentucky Dinner Train Bourbon Tour: The Bourbon Excursion on this classic dinner train ride is such a lovely addition to any getaway to Bardstown. The two-and-a-half-hour ride takes you through the beautiful scenery of the Bluegrass State while you enjoy a gourmet, four-course dinner prepared fresh onboard and a bourbon tasting paired with your meal, guided by a master distiller.
This is just the beginning of the incredible dining options at the local Bardstown restaurants. For personalized recommendations or reservations (which are highly recommended for The Bar at Willett), just let us know during your stay at the Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast.
Book Our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast Today!
After a wonderful tour of the local Bardstown bourbon distilleries or a nightcap at the Bar at Willett, you’ll be set and ready to retreat to our bed and breakfast to relax and refresh. Our beautiful property is less than ten minutes from a handful of these historic establishments. We even offer a guided and chauffeured tour for tastings—these sell out frequently and early, so it’s best to add these enhancements at the time of your lodging reservation.
Our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast sets the perfect tone for a romantic getaway, friend’s trip, or solo retreat. Our ten spacious, antique-appointed, and spirit-themed B&B guest rooms at our award-winning, historic bed and breakfast are an ideal, centrally-located lodging option for exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail on tours and excursions, as well as for those visiting for romance or business in the Bardstown, Kentucky area. We’ll treat you to a wholesome and hearty Southern breakfast each morning of your stay!
As a proud member of the Kentucky Bed and Breakfast Association and Select Registry (a prestigious collection of small inns and B&Bs across the country), you can rest knowing that visiting the Bourbon Manor will be exquisite. With the beautiful and timeless furnishings, luxurious amenities, and five-star service from our Innkeepers and staff, you’ll be on cloud nine on your next trip to Bardstown. Start planning your next getaway filled with tastings at the bourbon distilleries, cocktails at The Bar at Willett, and so much more. Book your lodging today!
