Kentucky may be famous for bourbon, but Frankfort, KY, offers a complete gastronomical experience that’s every bit as spirited as the state’s native spirit. The capital blends bourbon heritage, Southern hospitality and a bustling foodie scene into a getaway that begs you to slow down and stay awhile beyond distillery tours.
Whether a weekend getaway or a multi-day escape, Frankfort’s combination of charming distilleries and culinary delights will tantalize your taste buds and please every palate. Think of the following recommendations like a Michelin-rated menu in which every choice is the right choice.
Breakfast Before Bourbon
To get your motor running, Engine House Coffee delivers a unique blend of history and craft. Located downtown, the café operates inside a beautifully restored 1868 fire station. They serve ethically sourced, organic, fair-trade coffee with house-made syrups, seasonal drinks, pastries and crepes.
Start another morning with a destination whose stellar local reputation speaks for itself: Poppy’s Bakery. A top-rated Frankfort favorite since 2008, this neighborhood shop greets you with an irresistible aroma of handcrafted, freshly baked treats made with love.
One Town, Three Distinctive Distilleries
No quest to Frankfort is complete without a visit to Buffalo Trace Distillery. The most award-winning distillery on earth, it has been making bourbon without interruption since 1775. Tours and tastings are absolutely free, but book well in advance to guarantee a spot.
Wandering the warehouses, catching the unmistakable whiff of whiskey and bourbon in the air and soaking up the history from your guide, you’ll get a sense of Kentucky craftsmanship no bottle on a shelf can give you—and context for what you’ll taste during your whole Frankfort stay.
Unlock a Unique Bourbon Experience
Don’t miss Castle & Key Distillery, where the setting is part of the experience. Built on a historic site dating to 1887, the property was once a grand distillery inspired by European castles—and after decades of neglect, painstakingly restored.
Today, its stone structures, gardens and springhouse create a vibe you’ll get nowhere else. After your tour, stroll the gardens and botanical trail, drink in hand (Castle & Key also crafts vodka and gin), with views of Glenns Creek—this is a tour that comes with a park.
A Steal of a Distillery Deal
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is a craft distillery on a 127-acre working farm just outside Frankfort that grows its own bourbon grains. Ditching polished corporate tours, Whiskey Thief is the first Kentucky distillery where guests “thieve” uncut, unfiltered bourbon and rye directly from the barrel. Sample barrel-strength spirits, choose a favorite and hand-bottle it yourself.
Lunch Bites and Southern Comfort
Frankfort has wonderful ways to refuel. For a classic, unfussy meal, Cliffside Diner and Main Street Diner both serve tasty burgers, hearty breakfast plates and distinctly 1950s aura, with the former offering Kentucky River views from on high and the latter riverside views from downtown.
For another take on hole-in-the-wall scrumptiousness, try Shelby’s Diner, voted the #3 roadside diner in America by USA Today’s readers in 2025. For a bourbon spin on lunch, Bourbon on Main has over 200 bourbons on the menu, custom tasting flights and handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy your dram and elevated pub fare on their outdoor deck with a view of the State Capitol.
Neat Eats for the Evening Hours
After an afternoon distillery tour, it’s time for dinner. For a standout experience that elegantly embraces Frankfort’s bourbon identity, Cypress & Oak is an upscale steakhouse located in a restored historic bourbon warehouse. The atmosphere is sophisticated, with dark wood accents and impeccably prepared steaks.
If you’re looking for a scenic meal right around the corner from Buffalo Trace Distillery, head to Limewater. Situated on the banks of the Kentucky River in the historic 1815 Glen Willis house, this family-owned bistro and bar pairs designer interiors with fresh, homemade dishes and crafted drinks—a stylish nod to the region’s famous limestone-rich soil.
For a more relaxed evening, consider Mortimer Bibb’s Public House, a cozy Irish-style pub featuring a handmade copper-top bar, Guinness on tap, foreign whiskeys, live music and—surprise—a Cajun fusion dinner menu.
Decadent Desserts to Top Off Your Day
Frankfort’s collection of ice cream parlors, candy shops and dessert destinations makes it easy to turn a walk downtown into an impromptu sweet-treats tasting tour.
The Bourbon Ball, one of Kentucky’s most beloved sweets, was born right here at Rebecca Ruth Candy. Opened in 1919 by two substitute teachers, this fourth-generation family-owned shop makes over 100 varieties of gourmet chocolates by hand. Whether you love chocolate, bourbon or both, you’ve hit the jackpot!
Cool off with a scoop at Hoggy’s Ice Cream, where the ice cream is smooth and creamy and waffle cones are freshly made and crunchy. They serve 20 flavors of hand-dipped cones, sundaes, banana splits, ice cream sandwiches and milkshakes.
Wicked Whisk Cake Co. is a whimsical, witchy-themed bakery offering an enchanted array of craveable cupcakes, cheesecakes and cookies. Fan favorites include “Death by Chocolate,” “Bewitched Butterscotch” and “Elvis’ Last Bite”—featuring layers of banana pudding, peanut butter icing and bacon.
A Full Proof Finish
Before turning in, have a night cap at the posh whiskey lounge House of Commons. A self-styled “bourbon library,” instead of menus patrons get a highly knowledgeable bartender who will curate a personalized flight based on personal preferences. Shelves are stocked with rare and vintage Kentucky whiskies, and the comfy seating is perfect for relaxing.
Your Frankfort Foodie Weekend Awaits
Anchor your getaway around the distilleries, then let the city’s restaurants, coffee shops, and hidden gems fill in all the delicious details. Come hungry, stay curious and give yourself three or four days to discover what makes this small city such a big Kentucky experience for foodies and bourbon aficionados alike.