Bardstown itself is a charming place to visit, but the fact it is home to the oldest restaurant in Kentucky makes it even more inviting. The Old Talbott Tavern has been providing guests with good food, comfortable accommodations, and kindness since before the Civil War. Presidents and criminals have passed through its doors and found shelter in the rooms.

10. Since 1779

The Old Talbott Tavern has been around since 1779, and was deemed the oldest western stagecoach stop in America. It is located at 107 W Stephen Foster Avenue in Bardstown.

9. The tavern saw the evolution of Kentucky.

What started out as a humble restaurant and tavern to feed weary travelers rapidly became a favored stop. The real pioneers carving out a foothold in this country sometimes made this their first stop. It has seen both horrific bar room brawls and dainty well dressed dinners over the centuries.

8. Built to stand the test of time

The architecture was designed to withstand the test of time with thick Flemish bond stone walls, heavy timbers, deep window casings, built in cupboards, and warm hearths. The original structure still stands, but some of the original staircase has been replaced.

7. Military base

General George Rodgers Clark used the Talbott Tavern as a base and place to acquire goods. Munitions and provisions were brought here from Virginia and stored in the cellar in order to feed the soldiers.

6. Touched by royalty

King Louis Phillippe, upon being exiled, is said to have frequented Talbott Tavern in 1797. He was said to be accompanied by his two brothers and an entourage. There are paintings and murals around the Tavern that were said to be painted by the king himself, or possibly a member of his entourage.

5. Outlaw diners

Jesse James stayed in the Tavern when he visited the area, and the jail with his cousin. He supposedly saw a ghost one night when he’d been drinking heavily. Upon feeling someone had intruded on his space, he shot around a dozen times, but all he hit was the wall. The bullet holes are still visible today. There was also a shooting in which Jesse was attacked. Those bullet holes are also still viewable.

4. Other famous guests

Stephen Collins Foster, Abraham Lincoln, and several other famed military personell visited the tavern, staying overnight for food and drinks.

3. The Western Herald

This renowned paper printed an advertisement on September 23, 1829 deeming the Talbott Tavern as one of the largest, best constructed and most convenient hotels in the area. The stable size and convenience, along with the customer service provided were also called comfortable and agreeable. Back during those days, I think that was a 5-star rating.

2. Known by many names

Over the years the Old Talbott Tavern has been called many different names. It was previously the Hynes, Bardstown Hotel, Shady Bower Hotel, The Newman House, Chapman’s House, and Old Stone Tavern.

1. Food, comfort and history

The food here is phenomenal, holding true to the tradition of feeding weary travelers and guests a hearty, filling meal. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and the remnants of history are enough toe mesmerize even the most inquisitive scholar. Their special fried chicken puts KFC to shame.

Today, the legacy continues. The Old Talbott Tavern may be the oldest restaurant in Kentucky but the renowned it has gained for fine foods, historical stories, lodging and memorabilia is well deserved. Guests can tour the inside and see the holes from Jesse’s shots, the murals of a French king and plenty of other bits of history. It is like stepping back in time, minus the food, which is phenomenal.

If you love dining and touring historical restaurants in Kentucky, you will find more worth visiting here.