Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Elkhorn Tavern

    4.0 (91 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars, Distilleries
    Closed 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Elkhorn Tavern Photos

    ELKHORN TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Live music
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Elkhorn Tavern

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Country ham and biscuits. -love it !
    Drew G.

    I think that this is one of the coolest spots in town. It's in the Distillery District and the atmosphere is amazing! It's really nice when it is cold outside and they have the fire going. The food is excellent and they have the best homemade dips in town. The Spicy Corn Queso and Buffalo Chicken Dip are two of my favorites. They serve two house made Kentucky soups: Soup Beans and Burgoo. My favorite sandwiches are the Pimento Cheese and the Country Ham on Hawaiian Rolls. I consider this an iconic Lexington tavern and I highly recommend it, especially if don't live here or if you are entertaining out of town guests.

    Soup beans
    Amberly D.

    Absolutely delicious! The corn muffins made from spent grains were amazing. We had the spicy corn queso and it was fantastic. The bartender made me a chocolate martini and it was great, although not on the menu. The pinto beans were legit as well. It smelled like a wood fire and was warm and inviting in the restaurant. I will definitely be back.

    Burgoo soup/stew
    Mike G.

    I really feel bad giving this review but the service time was just poor. It was nearly 15 minutes to get to place a drink order. Over 30 total to get my food. If my order required any cooking, I could understand. But it was a sandwich and soup. The problem was there was only a bartender for the whole place at lunch. He chose to serve the group of 5 that sat at the bar after he dropped a menu at my table. The burgoo was excellent and the pimento cheese was top notch. The quality is the only saving grace to my experience.

    Deviled egg and corn mash corn muffins
    Heather B.

    The group I was with reserved a room and had some appetizers ordered. There weren't enough tables and chairs, but we got it figured out. The apps were good and they brought a bartender in and we could order food from the bar. The charcuterie board was nice. The spicy corn queso was ok. I heard the beans were good. The opened the gift shop for us. The person working the gift shop was very friendly and helpful. The bartender and other person working the room (manager maybe) were fine.

    Miranda L.

    Elkhorn Tavern is the bar/restaurant side of Barrel House Distillery. The inside is very rustic and country feeling with a quant outdoor patio out front. They have a mix of sandwiches and shareables to pair with their cocktail, beer, and wine offering. Our group got (2) Barrel House Select Old Fashioneds, an Elkhorn Sour, and Lexington Lemonade. The Old Fashioned was well balance. Elkhorn Sour & Lexington Lemonade were pretty as far as presentation but was a bit tart. We also got the Beer Cheese Platter to share. This came with crackers and pretzel sticks. Cheese itself was good but I was not expecting it to be hard. All staff members we encountered were overly kind! Always having a smile, recommending local spots, checkin in on us, and making small talk. The hospitality was great which was much appreciated!

    Patio space
    Becky L.

    Fun little space in the collective. They have a good sized patio and very cozy interior. We stopped by for a drink after having a slice of pie and were not disappointed by our old fashioned. The selection on the wall was impressive and the prices were reasonable. The staff was friendly without being overbearing. Definitely recommend a stop here!

    Alli C.

    I don't visit here often, and every time I wonder why I don't come here more! Elkhorn Tavern has an EXCELLENT cocktail program, with bartenders who take genuine pride in their concoctions. The raspberry lemon drop is heavenly, witch just a hint of Rosemary to set the flavors off. We also sampled some upcoming cocktails that showcased house-made shrubs. Seriously a great program! I'm going to also call out the AMAZING bbq we sampled. I didn't catch the name, but this is smoked right outside Elkhorn Tavern and it's seriously legit. We left this bar to go to a $100+ meal, and I'll say I would have much preferred this bbq to that meal.

    Marivic R.

    Late review: we enjoyed our food, esp. my husband loved the Elkhorn burgoo that has beef, rabbit, elk and vegetables. We sat at the back patio because we had our fur baby with us. Too bad I can't remember the server's name, he was super friendly!

    Bourbon sampler
    Susan C.

    This is the 2nd time we've visited here for a lunch & have really enjoyed it. First time I had soup f the day & husband the burgoo, a specialty, and this time I had the pimento cheese sandwich, so yummy! And he had the pulled pork sammi, which he really enjoyed. We didn't get pics of our good, just the bourbon sampler. They have a cute attached gift shop & nice bourbon. Both times at lunch they've been lightly busy, but I think more of you need to get in there!!

    I. J.

    Great customer service. This is bar food, so if that is what you like, then, this is the place for you. Food is served in plastic baskets, paper bowls and with plastic utensils. My salad was good and the chicken was ok.

    Alicia B.

    Wonderfully cozy bar with great staff and great vibes. Love relaxing at the bar with a good book. The drinks are fantastic as well and there's a large fireplace!

    Entrance
    Michelle R.

    After distillery hopping, we wanted to take a break and have a bite to eat. We looked up Kentucky Burgoo and this place popped up. The place isn't hard to find, and there's a huge parking lot. Unfortunately they also share their lot with other bars/ restaurants, so i think it could be tricky to find a spot if you hit peak times. We were lucky and stopped at 5:30 on a Wednesday, so easy parking. Stephen and I shared the charcuterie board, and each had our own bowl of Burgoo. It's a hearty bowl of stew/ soup filled with meat and vegs. The side of corn mash muffins was delicious, too. Stephen really enjoyed his flight of local bourbons, and wanted to take a bottle home. Sadly, the release wasn't available until next week. Service is a bit slow. It could have been an off day as there's only 1 guy running the show as bartender, host and waiter. Tables were left un-bussed and we had to ask a few times for things. If you can overlook the slow service, its a 4 star review. If you're in a hurry? Maybe 3 stars

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike G.
    0
    33
    93

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jack G.
    71
    85
    21

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alli C.
    574
    1072
    3746

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of I. J.
    13
    276
    832

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Michelle R.
    1287
    2354
    12842

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Abby A.
    67
    31
    23

    1 year ago

    The service and ambiance are always excellent. Such a chill place to hang out. It's our new Saturday night spot!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan P.
    51
    30
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great food great beer. Good selection of bourbon. Nice area. Service was awesome. Highly recommend!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ted C.
    456
    2922
    4618

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeremy J.
    1819
    6434
    75141

    5 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 0
    Love this 15
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Elkhorn Tavern

    Review Highlights - Elkhorn Tavern

    It's located in the distillery district so other bars and restaurants are just a few steps away.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Bars 2,173 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Fiddletree Kitchen & Bar

    Fiddletree Kitchen & Bar

    3.8(49 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Fiddletree is absolutely gorgeous! There is an outdoor eating area that will be lovely in the warm…read moremonths. The indoor bar is large with comfy bar stools and large coaches with tables. The restaurant is located inside the Elwood hotel but it is unlike the proverbial hotel restaurant. The food was well prepared and excellent. The chicken piccata was moist and lemony. The stir fry was flavorful and hearty. Per the server's recommendation, I added blackened shrimp. The shrimp were huge and cooked to perfection. I also had the blackberry lemonade which was delish. My husband had the mule mocktail, I was not a fan; it tasted just like ginger beer. We ended our meal with key lime pie, which was light and flavorful, not dense like some key lime pies. The service was good, attentive but not annoying. Oh, the bathrooms are beautiful and spotless. There are 2: male, female and unisex with physically challenged combined. Great place for date night or hangout with family or friends. There is live music that was starting as we were leaving.

    Fiddletree has became a regular for me & my loved ones. From the wonderful restaurant manager to…read morethe various service staff we've encountered, we've never had a bad experience. We held my granddaughter's 4th birthday party here. I've had group meals (brunch, lunch, & dinner). I've had intimate meals with my husband & daughter. Just overall enjoyable experiences! Food options are consistent. Cocktails are delicious. A fave is the Barbie Sundowner. Love their coffee with cute pink dishes. Indoor and outdoor seating options are wonderful. Live music occasionally offered. Highly recommend & we will keep making this a favorite spot for us to enjoy good food & company!!

    Photos
    Fiddletree Kitchen & Bar - Comfy seating

    Comfy seating

    Fiddletree Kitchen & Bar - Bacon , eggs, fried potatoes and toast.

    Bacon , eggs, fried potatoes and toast.

    Fiddletree Kitchen & Bar

    See all

    Thirsty Fox

    Thirsty Fox

    4.5(20 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    This review is pointless I guess. They are closing as of January 1, 2026. Are they closing…read morebecause of the terrible service? Or did I get terrible service because they are closing? I sat at the bar and was ignored for about 15 minutes, even though they looked right at me. Finally one of the bartenders asked if I wanted food or drink, and I said just drinks. "I guess I can do that," he said, and then told me to move over to the other side of the bar to be closer to him (it was right by the door, so I got to experience cold rushes of air the whole time I sat there). Also during my time, a German cockroach skittered across the bar top. I thought maybe the bartender was just sullen, but he was very animated and interactive with the younger couple who came in after me. I had to flag him down for my second drink. Everything seemed like an imposition to him. The drinks were fine and well priced. But the drinks don't matter when the vibe is that bad. I got the check quickly and left.

    Really cool atmosphere. Speakeasy bar style... 3 women set up and played holiday music on violins…read more It was lovely. Very reasonably priced as well. Server and bartender were friendly. I ordered the Cuban and the Patty Melt, both with fries. The Cuban was soooo good!! The bread is grilled and crispy, buttery and amazing. The pulled pork and ham were so flavorful and perfect with the melted cheese and pickles. I would 10/10 order this again. The patty melt was also great. They also have my favorite fries (similar to McDonalds style fries). I'm sad they will be closing at the end of the month. A wonderful dinner.

    Photos
    Thirsty Fox
    Thirsty Fox - No customers, that's for sure.

    No customers, that's for sure.

    Thirsty Fox - Thursday Night Live dinner with good friends!

    See all

    Thursday Night Live dinner with good friends!

    Elkhorn Tavern - bars - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...