The Bar at Willett
The Bar at Willett offers a unique gastropub experience at the historic Willett Distillery, featuring innovative small plates and exquisite cocktails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
The Bar at Willett
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Bar at Willett offers a unique gastropub experience at the historic Willett Distillery, featuring innovative small plates and exquisite cocktails.
Secure Limited Items Early
Make reservations and arrive early to ensure you get highly sought-after items like the limited cheeseburger.
Trust Bartender Recommendations
Staff, especially bartenders, are knowledgeable and provide excellent recommendations for both food and drinks.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Gastropub
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Egg Salad Sandwich
This sandwich is a culinary icon, with its own Instagram page, praised for its unique preparation and divine flavor.
The 'Perfect' Cheeseburger
Described as the 'best burger ever' and living up to the hype, this smash burger is a must-try for its juicy perfection.
Tapas-Style Small Plates
Experience an ever-changing menu of creative, small plates perfect for sharing, offering a unique culinary adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Secure Limited Items Early
Make reservations and arrive early to ensure you get highly sought-after items like the limited cheeseburger.
Trust Bartender Recommendations
Staff, especially bartenders, are knowledgeable and provide excellent recommendations for both food and drinks.
Explore Full Bar Options
Don't limit yourself to bourbon; they offer a full bar with expertly crafted cocktails like 'Winners and Losers'.
Share and Explore
Order multiple dishes to share and experience the diverse and top-tier offerings on the menu.
Tips
from all over the internet
Secure Limited Items Early
Make reservations and arrive early to ensure you get highly sought-after items like the limited cheeseburger.
Trust Bartender Recommendations
Staff, especially bartenders, are knowledgeable and provide excellent recommendations for both food and drinks.
Explore Full Bar Options
Don't limit yourself to bourbon; they offer a full bar with expertly crafted cocktails like 'Winners and Losers'.
Share and Explore
Order multiple dishes to share and experience the diverse and top-tier offerings on the menu.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Bar at Willett is celebrated for its innovative and delicious small plates, with standout dishes like the legendary egg salad sandwich and a must-try cheeseburger. While many praise the exceptional service and craft cocktails, a few diners find the "small plates" concept and pricing to be less appealing, with some questioning the value for money given the portion sizes.
"The Bar at Willett is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat while out on the bourbon trail! Their cocktail menu was amazing and they sure do make a great old fashioned. The egg salad sandwich is a popular choice for a reason! We also got the chicken wings and olives and we would highly recommend them as well! Who knows, you might even see the Willett family there like we did!"
Ross T
"I would give it 10 stars if it would let me! We sat at the bar with Alex as our bartender. She gave us great recommendations for food and drinks. She made the best Hugo spritz I've ever had, courtesy of Luciano, and my husband had a 9 year rye that he LOVED! The food was also incredible. Highly recommend the cashews, gnocchi, and brussel sprouts. This is a MUST DO when in the area. Do not miss! Ask for Alex!"
Michelle Renshaw
"Food is incredible! We sat at the bar and had an absolute blast, super friendly with great recommendations for both food and bourbon. Probably the best service I've received sitting at a bar, can't recommend enough. Order a few items and share with the table, everything is top tier. And get the cheesecake, it is divine!"
Josh H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, as the restaurant can get very busy. Arriving early may also help secure limited menu items.
The egg salad sandwich is legendary and has its own Instagram page. The cheeseburger is also frequently hailed as one of the best. Other popular choices include cashews, panisse, and grilled oysters.
Yes, the menu changes daily and is served tapas-style, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving culinary experience.
While they offer creative small plates and a renowned cheeseburger, the menu is more focused on elevated gastropub fare and not typical bar food. It's advisable to check the menu beforehand.
Yes, while they have an extensive bar and cocktail menu, they also offer juice and other non-alcoholic beverages for those who do not drink alcohol.
The Bar at Willett is considered upscale, with small plates and drinks reflecting higher price points. Some reviews mention it being overpriced for the portion sizes.
Some reviewers suggest it may not be ideal for young children due to the 'fru-fru' nature of the small plates and lack of traditional kid-friendly options.
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Best Kept Secret Of Bardstown
The Kentucky bourbon trail attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Many will make the pilgrimage to the bourbon capital of the world to learn about the art of producing bourbon and rye whiskey, while others are hoping to snag a vintage pour, making all their bourbon dreams come true. Kentucky bourbon producer, Willett Distillery, is at the top of every bourbon enthusiast’s list.
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The Bar at Willett: Another excellent space for a romantic dinner with drinks, this bar located at the famed Willett Distillery will be a memorable addition to any getaway. Salty snacks and thoughtfully prepared small plates pair perfectly with their fancy bourbon concoctions.
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1869 Loretto RdBardstown, KY 40004(502) 507-9396 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. The Bar at Willett is a well-renowned dining establishment located at the historic Willett Distillery.
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Enormous selection of Willett rye and bourbon that can't be found anywhere else. Incredible, friendly, and helpful staff as well. Expect more lunch and small plate items on the menu.
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Experience the essence of Kentucky's bourbon culture at The Bar at Willett, where exquisite drinks and delicious small plates await.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit