Been eyeing Pensive for a couple years and finally made it out this week with my Wife. We're eager to find a top-tier burger place in the area, though unfortunately this fell a little short of our expectations. Decided to split the Silver Charm for an appetizer, and it came about ten minutes later. The onion rings were decent, good flavor and somewhat crispy. The accompanying sauces of barbecue and ranch were both good as well, though both were missing something to elevate them a bit more I think. The flavor was good, but quite a small portion for $10. My wife ordered the Strike the Gold Burger and I went for the Northern Dancer Crispy Chicken. The sandwiches came out about ten minutes after we finished the Silver Charm, which was perfect timing. She liked her burger pretty well, and I took a bite too. The "caramelized onions" were definitely more sauteed, with still a bit of crunch, and otherwise I could really only taste the barbecue sauce, which was tasty, but I would have liked some more varied flavors. My chicken sandwich was... a bit disappointing. Rather than a chicken piece that appropriately fit the bun, it was more of a chicken strip, with bites that would only yield bun. In addition, because the chicken piece was so small, it was also extremely dry, which is a bummer because I actually thought the breading was very tasty. The chipotle aioli was decent, but didn't pack as much spice or flavor as I was hoping. And with only two toppings and a sauce on the whole sandwich, I was disappointed that the tomato was rather mushy and didn't seem fresh. I will say the fries that came with our sandwiches were crisp and well seasoned, and somewhat unfortunately the best part of my meal. Based on our experience, I didn't hate our dinner here and if someone invited me to meet them here, I wouldn't say no, but I'm also not going out of my way to revisit. read more

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Fun place to eat and a good vibe. Nice crowd for a Saturday afternoon in January. Our waitstaff was friendly and knowledgeable about the distilled products and also about the area. Food was pretty good, but the meat on my burger was small. I subbed out a salad for the fries, and the salad was unremarkable for the $5 substitution charge. But it was still a fun way to pass the time and the distilling and horse memorabilia is fun to look at. 4/26 read more

Popped in here about 3:45 on a Saturday afternoon. Small place with a diner-like feel, full bar, kitchen, and a small distillery room in the front. They also have a speakeasy we didn't visit. Decor is horse racing memorabilia (Pensive was a racehorse that won the 1944 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes). There was a solid crowd at the counter and a few tables. It got a little loud due to high ceilings and a lot of hard surface. Sami, the GM, was behind the bar and also came out as our server. Not sure if that's the typical staff arrangement. She was friendly and knowledgeable about the whiskey and other things. I tried a $20 flight of 3 bourbon expressions that I enjoyed. My wife and I both got burgers that were very good, priced $14-17 with fries that were hot and crispy. Instead of a burger patty, you can get the same sandwich with grilled or crispy chicken. For $5, you can "upgrade" to onion rings or a side salad. I don't know about the rings, but my wife got the salad instead of fries and it was no upgrade. It was a pretty sad small bowl of lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and croutons, not at all what we expected for $5. Other than that, we enjoyed the experience and would go back for burgers and drinks. read more

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I'm from MN, so it my first time here. I like where this place is located, street wise. The food was great I had the Animal Kingdom Burger, and it wasn't bad at all. I give them a thumbs up for taste and texture!! When I got there, there wasn't many people to begin with so the service went smoothly. This is the place I would go if I wanted to hangout with my friends for sure. So if you're in Kentucky make sure to check this place out!! read more

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I waited over 1 hour for a mimosa, the server took my order and served her other tables but didn't care that I waited. other people got their drinks but me, don't know if it was because I'm Hispanic and everyone else was white but it was so disappointing. It wasn't even that full, she just didn't care I was there. read more

The atmosphere and staff were inviting. But wouldn't call it a speakeasy. The burgers are well flavored and cooked; and not too big and heavy to go along with some cocktails. The KY Muke was well balanced and their burbon tasted great. read more

Pensive Distilling - Bbq burger with fries and a KY Mule - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

We stopped in prior to meeting up with friends before dinner and a play. We sat at the bar. Agnes and America were a breat of fresh air, professional, fun and the service was wonderful. That menu looks amazing! We have to go back. Thank you ladies!! read more

This distillery/restaurant was amazing. America was a fabulous waitress/bartender. We had thr burgers they were all delicious and unique. They have PURPLE GIN! I took home a bottle. They let us decorate plugs and then add them to the walls. Must do when in town. WE will be back. read more

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Great decor! I was surprised this place was empty when I arrived??? The food and beverages are excellent! Burgers are juicy with more than enough toppings. Not a dry taste! Love the onion rings! She loved their Manhattan! read more

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Great little distillery in Newport just up from the Brass Ass. They offer a tour and cocktails. Staff is great. Engaging and most enjoyable spirits they craft. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour Gage did for us. I learned a lot and got to sample their vodka, a purple gin... a cognac barrel bourbon, apple pie moonshine and three different bourbons plus they have a real original speakeasy from the 1920's on the second floor read more

Pensive Distilling - The speakeasy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

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Service is not great. Came here at 4pm on a Thursday. Server took our order, but quickly started chatting with a group behind the bar for over 10 minutes... disregarding other costumers. We got our drinks 20 minutes after arriving. If you order a soda, it is coming from a 2-liter that is bought a couple doors down. I ordered the "Apollo". Unfortunately it tastes like I'm drinking straight jalapeño juice. I can't taste the blackberries or vodka at all. My table ordered some loaded fries and the onion ring tower. The fries were good but the onion rings are NOTHING like the photos other reviewers are posting. There was no actual piece of onion in these rings, like you would be expecting. They are tiny and they seemed to be the frozen minced onion rings you can get from Kroger. Probably won't be back unfortunately. read more

Mostly very good. Food delicious. Drinks were a little weak and service was slow considering there were so few in there. But We'll be back for a tour next time! read more

This place totally confused us. You go in and see a sign that says "seat yourself." Then at the table we picked, there were menus to look at. One would think someone would come along and take your order. About 15 minutes later, a woman came to the table and said "this is normally a bar only place, but I guess I can take your order." If there was any signage at the bar, like if it looked like a walk up restaurant and not just a restaurant with a bar option OR signage at the table saying like "please proceed to the bar to place all orders," then that would have made so much more sense. The way it was handled made us annoyed and felt to be rude patrons. The actual drinks and food were great! I had a yummy moonshine cocktail and we ate chicken strips and burger meal. The onions and BBQ sauce on my husband's burger were SO good! I think the chicken would have been even better with some type of dipping sauce but it was still good. Good fries! I think if they make up their mind about service (honestly should just have servers with their current layout), it could be vasty improved! read more

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Super cute, small hidden gem in the heart of NEWPORT. My team and o came here for a quick drink and some eats. It's really cool and the drinks were tasty and strong. I enjoyed the fries but wish I had gotten a burger over the chicken. It wasn't bad, just not my favorite. It's really small space so don't bring a ton of people and be prepared for a wait if you come later in the evening. We came with 5 people and walked right in but it was about 4pm on a Saturday. Someone had called ahead for a reservation so I suppose that's an option. If you have time, check out their tours of how the goods (bourbon) get made! I'll definitely be back when I need a quick bite. read more

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Wings were so good! The bourbon BBQ sauce was great. service was amazing as well, America was so so nice!

This is a great little bar tucked into downtown Newport. We stopped here for a quick bite before heading to a show at Riverbend (which worked out perfectly because it's a quick drive there from this restaurant - even with traffic). The menu is small, the drinks are creative, and it's just a lovely spot all around for a quality drink and burger. The Rich Strike burger is actually outstanding. It's so juicy and it's kind of enormous. I love how they serve it on sealed slate. It looks as good as it tastes. I'm not sure about the house salad. I'd skip that or get it without cheese (perhaps light cheese - the picture shows why). But still, it was quite fresh. I'd like to go back. This would be a great spot to go with another couple or for a casual date night. Or heck, just a drink. If I could remember what our drinks were called, I'd mention it, but honestly, they were both off the menu and they were fabulous. Last thing! They have a bunch of "corks" for distilled drinks in a bottle up front. They invite you to decorate one and they put them up on the wall. LOVE that! read more

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Dry rub wings with buffalo sauce on the side. The food and service were great. We'll be back again for sure. read more

Pensive Distilling - Dry rub wings with buffalo sauce on the side. The food and service were great. We'll be back again for sure. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

We really enjoyed our afternoon stopping in Pensive for a quick drink and snack. Three out of the four of us had one of their signature cocktails but all dinks were excellent. We also ordered a charcuterie board which was plenty for the four of us for a light snack. There is plenty of seating for small or large groups. Intimate seating for a date night and definitely plenty of bar seating. The bartender was really nice and helpful as was all the staff which made for great service!! Highly recommend Pensive!! read more

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We stopped in on a whim and what a find! Staff was friendly, service was great! We had a tour and tasting in the speakeasy. Very informative, Gage was knowledgeable and engaging. read more

Pensive Distilling is two thumbs up! Attentive service. Delightfully refreshing bar cocktails and cold beer. Delish food.....charcuterie board for two, with just enough items to enjoy with cocktails. Chicken tender sliders with homemade bbq sauce, yum. But the star of the show was the onion rings, crispy not greasy with not too much batter/breading, they were delish! Going back soon to try their wings. ( The review below, from 6 yrs ago, was for another restaurant that was at this location) read more

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What a great find! Stopped in on a whim and super friendly folks behind the bar and we're still here!! Sami is amazing behind the bar. Corbin knows so much about bourbon . Cheers! read more

Wasn't sure what to expect of the distillery tour once I saw the small size of the building. However, our guide was passionate he explained the history behind the area, and the quirky speakeasy tasting room made for an excellent tour! read more

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We had a fabulous afternoon at Pensive Distilling today. Sami was doing it all, tending the bar and serving tables!!! She made us the most delicious cocktails and was so attentive to all our dining needs & the food was fantastic. We'll definitely go back next time we're in town! read more

Pensive Distilling - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

Great place! Wings were awesome. The burgers were great! Perfectly made old fashioned! Lisa provided excellent service. Highly recommend this place. read more

This is a new kid on the block for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and B-Line. I will say that the vodka will sneak up on you because it is so smooth. The service was a little left to be desired. It wasn't crazy busy when my wife and I visited but it took a while just to get a flight of their product. The scenery has a very industrial feel that you find at most breweries or distilleries in NKY. Wouldn't mind going back to give it another chance. read more

Pensive Distilling - Flight - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

We stopped by to visit as part of the distillery trail. At first they were not so friendly, but they eventually warmed up. Note it is an expectation to buy something to get a stamp for the trail. read more

I quite enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of this bar. The employees were friendly. I was disappointed that I received Walmart brand ginger beer when ordering it. I mean, I by no means expect top shelf but I'd describe Great Value as bottom of the barrel. Th e mixed drinks were pretty good. One of the employees came over and described a tour experience that Pensive offers for free. I'd be interested in taking advantage of it when the weather is warmer. Pensive got a raw deal when other bars moved in nearby and started offering similar promotions and evening activities, effectively leading to a loss in business. However, I enjoy the atmosphere and recommend stopping in. read more

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Excellent food and great service! Definitely a great place to visit will definitely go back!

One visit to Pensive Distilling and you, and your friends, will be planning your return trip on the walk to your car. Perched on one of the oldest streets in Newport, Pensive Distilling gives you antique charm with a modern take on Brunch and Bourbon. The bar stools are an eclectic mix of animal hide, wood, and steel and the tables are a polished wood with cushioned seats. Cleanliness is a noticeable priority and every surface was gleaming. We had the pleasure of experiencing the brunch menu. Our group had the Animal Kingdom, the biscuits and gravy, and the Real Quiet (dishes all named after famous Derby horses) and had zero complaints! The fries are a modern take on steak fries, thinner and crispier, and when dipped in the Avocado aioli, they become the star of the dish. The bacon was crispy and sweet and paired perfectly with the cheesy eggs. And the biscuit gravy has pure magic in it with a savory sweetness that should be bottled and sold right along side the bourbon! This place may be focused on the Bourbon, but the food is 5 stars. For an added bonus, sign up for their unbelievable bourbon tastings. You will not regret it! read more

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Beautiful establishment. Great bar. Decent but expensive menu. They do distill their own spirits but the major downfall here is that they don't accept cash. This is costing them a lot of business and I let them know this read more

Lived this bar/distillery. Wait staff really friendly and helpful . Loved the decor . One of the best hamburger ! My friend had the friend order the chicken breast salad and couldn't finish it brought the rest home. She had fries they were delicious. I ordered the onion rings and they were good , a I'm little greasy but hot and good read more

Visited Pensive for their, free at the time, distillery tour. The interior was nice, drinks were super tasty and would totally come back if I were in the area. The food looked decent from the photos, but my group and I decided to pass. The tour itself was great! Our guide, Chris was friendly and seemed to be passionate about the business and bourbon in general! The reason this only gets three stars from me is because I feel like they haven't grown into their potential yet. Pensive has the opportunity to develop into a really cool concept, similar to that of High Bank Distillery in Columbus. I think they have a great story, booze and service. I just wasn't blown away by the product. Chris, our guide, mentioned that they have some things in the works for the future of their business and tours so I'll definitely be keeping Pensive on my radar to see what they're up to. read more

Pensive Distilling - Bourbon Tasting (Distillery Tour) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

We went on a Sunday evening and were glad to get there before 7 because even tho closing time was 8 pm, the kitchen closes at 7 on Sundays. ( Friday & Saturday kitchen closes at 9, the friendly server told us). Nice flavor cocktails. Delicious burger and nice dry rub wings with BBQ sauce on the side. onion rings were tops! Good light filled space, modern country? decor. nice. pleasant. Noise level not bad. Free street and lot parking next door. read more

This derby themed bar is also a delightful brunch spot. There's a breakfast option that's basically a sampler of most of their breakfast items and I can't recommend it enough. The staff are always friendly and attentive. When you stop by be sure to try the bourbon vanilla French toast. read more

Pensive Distilling - Bourbon vanilla French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and delicious little potatoes. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

Just fantastic food, drinks and service. This place is amazing. Charcuterie board, burgers, tacos and salads all wonderful. Cocktails and beers outstanding. Service brilliant. Ten out of ten. read more

Fast service. Cool atmosphere. Fun menu. Delicious food. Well crafted drinks. Found this spot while staying in Newport. They also have brunch on the weekends. Cards only (No cash) & virtual menu (bring your phone!) read more

Pensive Distilling - Charcuterie board & Mint Julep - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

Three year young Distillery (2024) but has a rich story dating back to pre-Prohibition! True Kentucky decor paying tribute to the Kentucky Derby and winning horses. Take the tour for a truly special experience! The tour was given by Jeff who is very passionate about the distillery! Stay for the amazing food and drink after a tour. read more

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Food and service was amazing! It was perfect spot to eat before the my morning jacket concert. The ambiance was so unique and welcoming. This is a great place to eat with friends on the back patio. read more

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Went here for burger week with friends and honestly going to be the new hangout place. I got their sliders that weren't on the burger week, but honestly one of the best sliders I have had. (Tip: get extra of the avocado garlic aioli, it's the best.) The service was also amazing! The owner spoke to us for a while and spoke about how this place came about, their plans for the future and even gave us tastings of the bourbon. The servers are personable and give you honest recommendations. read more

Loved the ability to write on the wall. Service was awesome and very knowledgeable. Served great drinks. Didn't get to the food here but it smelled and looked amazing! read more