The Stave pairs Kentucky cooking with a deep bourbon list

What the reviews say

The Stave carries a 4.4 Google rating from about 1,650 reviews, a strong showing for a moderately priced restaurant that draws both Bourbon Trail travelers and local diners. Public feedback repeatedly pairs Kentucky-leaning comfort food with an extensive selection of bourbon, whiskey and local beer. Several reviewers describe it as a worthwhile lunch or dinner stop during a day of distillery visits.

The setting appears to be part of the experience, though not in a polished or formal sense. Reviews describe a small dining room, an unglamorous exterior and a location away from central Frankfort. That modest first impression often gives way to praise for the food, drinks and welcoming service. It reads as a destination restaurant rather than a convenient downtown option.

Food worth considering

Shrimp and grits is the clearest recurring recommendation. Multiple diners ordered it, with one noting some heat in the dish and another counting it among a notably good Bourbon Trail dinner. Burgers also appear more than once, although the results are slightly less consistent. One diner enjoyed a Kentucky-style burger, while another found a smash burger somewhat dry.

Other individual reports broaden the picture. Pulled pork and fried chicken sandwiches received enthusiastic feedback, including praise for their flavor and cooking. Fresh-cut fries were also singled out. Elsewhere, reviewers recommended burgoo, mushroom gnocchi and catfish served over grits with garlic cheese and collard greens. Those dishes do not recur enough in the supplied feedback to establish a consensus, but they suggest a menu grounded in Southern and Kentucky flavors rather than generic bar fare.

The menu may change seasonally, according to one review, and popular items can sell out. That variability can reward flexible diners but may disappoint anyone arriving with one particular order in mind.

Bourbon, beer and service

The beverage program is one of the most consistent strengths in the public feedback. Reviewers repeatedly mention a large or extensive bourbon and spirits list, along with whiskey, cocktails and local beers in bottles and on tap. A burnt orange Old Fashioned also received favorable notice. For visitors already touring distilleries, The Stave offers a natural way to continue exploring Kentucky spirits over a full meal.

Service receives similarly steady approval. Staff members are described as friendly, helpful, attentive and welcoming. That matters in a compact restaurant where pacing and hospitality can shape the entire visit, especially during busy Bourbon Trail periods.

Practical verdict

The Stave looks best suited to couples and small parties seeking Kentucky food and bourbon without formal surroundings. Reservations appear worthwhile, particularly for the patio or during popular travel times. Large groups may find the intimate dining area restrictive.

Parking is available, but the dirt lot can become muddy after rain or snow. Diners should also expect an understated exterior and a drive away from town. Those trade-offs are clear, yet the overall review pattern remains positive: flavorful regional dishes, a serious bourbon selection and personable service make The Stave one of the more compelling food stops around Frankfort’s bourbon circuit.