Best Kept Secret Of Bardstown | The Bar At Willett
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. Guests will enjoy wandering the distillery grounds and sampling the Willett family of brands, but when planning your visit, do not forget to make reservations at the Bar At Willett for lunch, the true star of the show.
The Bar At Willett
The Bar at Willett is serving up imaginative small plates, timeless cocktails, and vintage whiskies that allow guests to take a liquid journey throughout the ages. While the menu is quite seasonal, there’s one iconic dish that will always remain, the Egg Salad Sandwich. Simply put, don’t leave the property without enjoying this magical creation. I never knew that egg salad could taste so good.
The genius behind all of these innovative yet elevated creations is none other than John Sleasman, formerly of McCrady’s in Charleston, South Carolina. He and the team have done a remarkable job developing a menu inspired by the family’s French heritage and Nordic roots. Sleasman and his team capitalize on the distinctive Kentucky seasons and incorporate as many indigenous ingredients as possible.
Egg Salad Sandwich | Smoked Dukes + Yolk Jam + Chives
Aside from the treasured whiskies and the distillery’s signature cocktails, one of the most sought-after dishes is the Cheeseburger. You won’t find this on the menu, in fact, it is only available on Saturday. They make a limited number ( 12, I believe), so it’s worthwhile to secure an early reservation to ensure that you don’t miss out on this deliciousness. Undoubtedly, this is easily one of the best burgers I’ve had in my life. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this (the picture speaks for itself).
Cheeseburger | Off-Menu and Life Changing < Available Only On Saturday>
For those of you know don’t know me well, you may not realize that I’m not fond of fish. It’s likely the last thing that I will order at a restaurant. But I always order the Smoked Trout Dip when I visit the Bar At Willett. There’s something about the dip paired with the twice-baked saltines seasoned with Old Bay that’s absolutely out of this world. Not to mention the presentation is unparalleled.
Smoked Trout Dip | Twiced Baked Saltines + Radish
On my most recent visit, the chef had Alan Benton Country Ham Fritters on the menu. As soon as I saw Alan’s name, I didn’t care what was in the dish because I knew it would be spectacular, and it absolutely was.
Alan Benton Country Ham Fritters | Honey Mustard
Even though I don’t have dessert featured, don’t leave without trying one chef’s creations. I’ve had Carrot Cake, Chocolate Cake, Rice Pudding, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. It’s challenging to choose a favorite as each was remarkable in its own way.
For those of you who prefer to have a liquid dessert, may I recommend one of their vintage whiskies?
Willett 25 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey
Vintage Old Grand-Dad Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Vintage Austin Nichols Wild Turkey
Who’s ready to take a trip to Bardstown?
Aside from the exceptional food and cocktails, the hospitality is unmatched. Whether it is the hostess, bartender, or server, everyone goes out of their way to make the guest experience memorable.
The Bar at Willett is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 am- 6:00 pm EST. Given that this is the best place to eat in Bardstown, the restaurant fills up rather quickly. Reservations are a must and can be made HERE.
Tariff: Snacks vary in price from $8.00 - $16.00 while plates range from $9.00 - $22.00.
Can’t Miss: Where to begin! If it’s your first time visiting the Bar at Willett, I recommend ordering the Egg Salad Sandwich and the Smoked Trout Dip. While they are menu staples, it’s something you must experience. Visiting on a Saturday? Order that cheeseburger and order it quickly. It’s off-menu, and they only have a limited number for the day.
Potential Pass: After several trips to Bardstown, I’ve had a chance to enjoy almost everything on the menu. While there’s not a terrible dish to be had, I wasn’t overly excited about the Panisse as there are other dishes that are by far more interesting.
Pro-Tip | Given the seasonality of the menu, if you see a dish that piques your curiosity order it. You never know when it’s going to make an appearance again.
Until Next Time!