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    Limewater

    4.7 (100 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Limewater Photos

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    LIMEWATER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - Limewater

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    K G.

    Limewater is a family-owned and -operated bistro and bar in Frankfort, Kentucky. We went here for lunch while on a bourbon tour and the food, ambiance, and service were all exceptional. The name 'Limewater' is an ode to the Kentucky River as well as the limestone-rich soil that makes the Bluegrass Region so green. Limewater is located in the historic Glen Willis house, which sits on the banks of the Kentucky River. The brick home was built in 1815 and the building itself is stunningly beautiful. Coming from California, where you often don't see brick buildings or really anything that it preserved to last, it was a stunning sight to see! This restaurant is also in an amazing location if you are doing a bourbon tour in the area as it is extremely close to both Buffalo Trace Distillery and J Mattingly Distillery. We ate here for lunch, although this would be an amazing place for dinner as well. We love how this place was designed and decorated, which created such a beautiful setting to have lunch in. The restaurant is owned and operated by husband and wife team, chef Axl and Isabelle Wheeler. I love that this is a locally owned restaurant and not a chain restaurant because I think that is one of the many things that makes this place so special! Everything our group had, they loved. I had the Caprese Panini with mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic reduction, housemade ciabatta. It was absolutely delicious and the food was so fresh and flavorful. Two of the group had the 1815 {their version of an old fashioned} with brown butter-washed four roses bourbon, marmalade simple, angostura bitters, cherry and shared that it was delicious! If you are in the Frankfort area, this is definitely a place that you have to check out! Highly recommend and look forward to coming back next time I am in the area!

    Marianne D.

    I found this restaurant while searching for a spot for lunch while on the Bourbon Trail. Thanks Google. What a pleasant surprise to find this restaurant. It really is a hidden gem. The restaurant is in an old 1815 home. Each room is beautifully decorated. The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner, and we were lucky enough that they allowed us in just before closing. We sat at the bar and Stephanie took great care of us. She was friendly and engaging. Of course, there were bourbon cocktails ordered. For lunch, we all ordered the BLTs. The bacon on that sandwich was insane. So good! If I'm ever on the Bourbon Trail again, I would love to come back for dinner. I think that this restaurant is romantic and special.

    Leslie C.

    Amazing dinner! This is a lovely restaurant for a date night or special occasion. Best meal we had during our week in Frankfort. The weather was lovely so we ate outside and enjoyed the view of the Kentucky River. The best Caesar salad I've ever had! So flavorful. My entree was a gorgeous schnitzel and Spätzle. So tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, and the cabbage on top was perfect. The mushroom gravy was phenomenal. My boyfriend loved his risotto. Delicious cocktails! We each had an old fashioned. Beautiful ambiance. Upscale decor inside. Friendly service.

    Taylor G.

    Fine, wine and dine! Take your hot date to Limewater! Nice cozy old home, great food, desserts and drink options! Sit indoors or back patio facing the Kentucky river!

    Beet and whipped cheese starter
    Megan E.

    Looked for something special to meet family coming from Lexington halfway and stumbled upon Limewater on my Yelp search. If you haven't been, go! Let me tell you why... 1st star - location is beautiful on the banks of the river with a grassy knoll and view 2nd star - top notch service from the staff, including extra attention for allergy issues in our party (identified during reservation and confirmed in person). They even talked about it during prep to be ready for us! For the meal, they specialize the course and made sure everyone was OK. 3rd star - drink list was extensive and affordable. I had a "seasonal shrub" that was a fun surprise to find on the menu and really nice touch with the food. They have some interesting wines and other things too. Plenty of NA drink options ("mocktails") if that's your speed. 4th star - food was amazing - lots of thoughtful options and courses. I started with the whipped goat cheese and beets, then moved into the pasta Primavera. SO MUCH GOOD FOOD. But you'd be missing out if you don't also try the dessert options, including the chocolate cake with housemade bourbon whipped cream (yup) or the blondie chocolate chip pie thing (it's small but mighty and comes with white chocolate vanilla ice cream). 5th star - overall atmosphere in a house from the early 1800s, gender neutral restroom, porch or inside seating, and a lovely venue for celebration events in your life. So, like I said, what are you waiting for? Go give Limewater a chance!

    Schnitzel-authentic and a very generous portion!
    Valerie G.

    Service was attentive and impeccable . Food was worth the price and beautifully presented. The ambiance was upscale quiet and easy. Who doesn't like to be greeted by Pink Martini?

    Bourbon Burger and potato wedges
    Lisa H.

    Wow! A gem in Kentucky's capital! We met my dad here for lunch today and it was spectacular! Atmosphere, service, food - this place has it all!

    Scallion Fritters-- SO GOOD
    Samantha L.

    If you are in Frankfort, Limewater is an essential visit. We eat here every time we come to Frankfort... and sometimes we come to Frankfort just for Limewater! The menu is limited, but they have daily specials to keep things interesting. The Limewater cocktail is up there with the best of them. Service is good and atmosphere is quaint, perfect Kentucky vibe.

    Falafel dish was delish
    Tom B.

    The menu had some very tasty sounding dishes but I wanted to eat light and go vegetarian for the meal. I was very happy with what I ordered. And the service was first class. I don't often get to Frankfort but when I do, I'll be back.

    Bill M.

    Deb found this place as our nice dinner spot on this visit to Kentucky. Great old house right on the river. We had a reservation which is highly recommended. We weren't sure of the weather so we initially took a table in the bar but it was so nice we asked to move out side and were accommodated quickly. So we started our dining with some fritters. Nice and crunchy and cheesy on the inside. Delicious. For our mains I got the Asian inspired pad Thai. Very interesting dish. Great flavors but seemed to be missing something. Maybe I needed to add soy? Deb had the schnitzel. Great breading and the chicken was cooked perfectly. The venue was very nice and the bar and bartenders were awesome. Our server was awesome however the food was just ok. Nothing really screamed awesome.

    Street sign in front of restaurant

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    1 month ago

    Hidden gem! This place compares to some of the best restaurants. Great service and food is just simply amazing! Unique dining experience.

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    8 months ago

    We sat outside and were glad we did. The food was good and the service was great. Be warned that the dessert is awesome!

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    9 months ago

    We had Happy Hour here- food and drinks on the porch was wonderful! Loved the pork belly lettuce wraps!

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    1 year ago

    I had the pasta primavera with shrimp. It was without a doubt the best I have had. Sensational!

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    Ask the Community - Limewater

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    Limewater - salad - Updated June 2026

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