Old Talbott Tavern In Kentucky Is The Oldest Bourbon Bar In America

Actually, it’s the oldest bourbon bar in the world. It seems like bourbon bars have popped up all over the place, but the Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown has been serving America’s native spirit since 1779. Along with serving Southern food classics, the Old Talbott Tavern is also a bed and breakfast, so it’s a great option of a place to stay if you’re visiting Bardstown.

The Old Talbott Tavern has been at 107 W. Stephen Foster Avenue for 237 years. It is located in Bardstown’s historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Flickr/Brent Moore

It is also thought to be the oldest western stagecoach stop in America, as depicted in this old artwork that hangs behind the bar.

Yelp/Jesse J.

Bardstown is in the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon Country, and the Old Talbott Tavern has an extensive collection.

Flickr/Dana McMahan

There’s nothing better than touring one of the nearby bourbon distilleries, and then heading to this historic bar to sample some. The tavern also regularly has live entertainment.

Yelp/Ryan R.

The dining room will make you feel like you’re in a cozy pub in England.

TripAdvisor/greeneggz

And they serve Kentucky favorites such as fried chicken, Hot Browns, catfish, and country ham.

Yelp/David H.

If you decide to stay at the Old Talbott Tavern, after your meal and bourbon flight, you can head upstairs to their guest rooms.

Flickr/madrigar

The six guest rooms are all named for historical figures that once stayed at the Tavern, including Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Boone, Jesse James, General George Rogers Clark, and Anton Heinrich.

TripAdvisor/kyderby

The rooms have all the modern conveniences like cable, a telephone, refrigerator, and private bathrooms, but they are also furnished and decorated with antiques, so you still feel like you’re someplace historic.

TripAdvisor/TaylorAngel502

The Old Talbott Tavern is also rumored to be haunted. People have reported seeing apparitions, and one of the most regularly-seen ghosts is believed to be the infamous Jesse James.

Yelp/Heather P.

Speaking of Jesse James, this notorious outlaw was a guest in the Old Talbott Tavern, and the evidence of his stay supposedly still exists today. Legend says you can still see bullet holes in the wall in one of the bedrooms from when James was trying to sleep off all the bourbon he drank downstairs. He thought he saw birds moving around in the murals on the wall, and shot at them.

TripAdvisor/James F.

If you’re planning to visit Bardstown soon, or just want an idea for a unique weekend getaway, consider staying in America’s oldest bourbon bar. For more information, visit their website.