Talbott Tavern And Inn - Bardstown

Historic inn dating back to 1779, home to the oldest bourbon bar in the world and twice named America's Most Beautiful Small Town.

Dining & Bourbon Bar

The Old Talbott Tavern houses the oldest bourbon bar in the world, recognized by the Stave and Thief Society. Guests order made-to-order American breakfast included in the room rate, served in the historic dining room with two stone fireplaces. Dinner options include bourbon chicken, fried green tomatoes, and Shepard's pie, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available.

Rooms & Accommodations

Talbott Tavern offers 15 rooms in the adjacent Inn building (built 1913) and 6 rooms in the original Tavern, with names like Washington Irving, Daniel Boone, and Jesse James. Each room includes air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable, a microwave, and a coffee machine. The Inn building has an elevator, while the Tavern rooms require stairs and feature historic slanted floors.

Entertainment & Live Music

Old Talbott Tavern hosts live music performances specifically on weekends, with a band that plays in the restaurant and bar area. The shared lounge on the second floor includes a porch overlooking Courthouse Square, where guests can relax. A self-guided audio tour app details the building's history, including bullet holes fired by Jesse James.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Talbott Tavern sits on Courthouse Square in Bardstown's historic district, within walking distance of My Old Kentucky Home State Park and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey. The property is a short drive from multiple Bourbon Trail distilleries and is surrounded by shops and restaurants. Bardstown itself was named Most Beautiful Small Town in America by both Rand McNally and USA Today.

History & Accessibility

Built in 1779, Talbott Tavern is the oldest western stagecoach stop in America, with guests including Abraham Lincoln and King Louis Philippe. The property has facilities for disabled guests, including accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible rooms. Business center and meeting/banquet facilities are available, plus free street parking and key-card access after 8 PM.

• Location: Courthouse Square in Bardstown's historic district, near Bourbon Trail distilleries
• Dining: Oldest bourbon bar in the world, made-to-order American breakfast included
• Rooms: 21 rooms across two buildings, named after historic figures
• Entertainment: Live music on weekends, self-guided audio tour of bullet holes and murals
• History: 1779 stagecoach stop visited by Abraham Lincoln and King Louis Philippe
• Award: Ranked Most Beautiful Small Town in America by USA Today and Rand McNally