we enjoyed the food and lunch experience. We were a party of 8 so charged a 20% service fee as well as an "operations fee" and a credit card "convenience " fee, so beware. probably won't go back because of that. maybe with cash and a smaller party the food would be worth it. we still left a 20% tip because our server was attentive and wanted to be sure she was taken care of. read more

Good bar. Excellent food. The atmosphere is OK, nothing spectacular and the service was good. The food was awesome. I got the Cuban which was ridiculously messy and huge and not anything like a traditional Cuban but it was good. Hubby got the steak small plate and it was fabulous. They cooked the steak well and I kept trying to steal bites of the potato cake thing that came with it. It was so interesting. Such a perfect spot after tasting and touring at the distillery. Definitely recommend! read more

First stay in Frankfort, so looking to patronize local businesses with solid reviews. Found The Brown Barrel for our first day's lunch, excited to try. Easily found, ample free parking on the side of the business. We did not make a reservation and thankfully showed up when it was not overly crowded. Friendly host asked us if we had a preference for a table or a booth, we chose a booth. Time for our drink order and we realized it was Happy Hour, which is a separate menus, where HH goes from 2pm - 6pm, so we excitedly ask our server which types of beers were the first two drafts listed on the Happy Hour menu. Our server admitted she was newly employed by the Brown Barrel and would go find out. She was able to get a co-worker to come by to help answer the question. Two Happy Hour draft beers ordered and brought timely. Beers were cold and delicious. We ordered two appetizers: The Loaded Brown Barrels, which was also on the Happy Hour menu (at a reduced price), an app which was also recommended by our server as being very popular, along with the Cowboy Beer Battered Mushrooms. Apps arrived and we were told the Loaded Brown Barrels plate was hot from the oven, which was excellent because we would have just tried to pick up the plates. Overall, the Beer Battered Mushrooms were excellent! Such great flavor, fried nicely, I'd eat those once a week if I lived local. The Loaded Brown Barrels, on the other hand, were a disappointment. The tots were not crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. They were soft and seems under fried or perhaps they were just baked, which did not crisp them up. The combined flavors were just ok. I would not order them again. We order our mains, my buddy order the Country Boy Beer Battered Fish and Chips and I order the Pesto Chicken Sandwich. Our server departs to return shortly later to inform us that we each get a side with our main dishes. I asked her if the side are an extra charge and she states they are not. I ordered the White Truffle Herb Mashed Potatoes and my buddy orders the Mixed Greens. We receive our orders and my buddy received a piece of fish and his mixed greens, no chips (aka fries), so we flag a server (a different one who was close-by) to ask her where his chips were. It took a few minutes and who appeared to be the manager came by to inform us that since he ordered mixed greens, that was in-place of his chips. Yet, we informed her that the menu item is fish and chips, that if he gets a complimentary side, that would be on-top of his dish. She then says that is not the case but that if he wanted, she'd have an order of fries made for him. He says no, that is fine, as he did not want to wait; but, again said why was I informed a side come with my order, when in fact it was a substitution that he would not have even initiated. The manager again asks him if he wants the fries, that she would gladly make them. This was awkward at best. She should have just had the kitchen drop the fries, came by the table to say she understood how the mix-up occurred with our new server and that the fries would be right out... instead it became a conversation about fries or mixed greens. Our server just should not have told him his dish came with a complimentary side. Btw, my potatoes were very tasty and my sandwich was very good as well. It's then time for the bill, which we get and none of the Happy Hour items we ordered were reflected as Happy Hour pricing on the bill. So, we have to wait for our server to make her aware, to correct the bill, which she ultimately did. Now, I know very well that being new to a job there are mistakes which will happen which help us all learn along the way; but, the awkward handling of my buddy's chips and then our server not paying attention to detail for the Happy Hour pricing for the three items we ordered, plus the manager not stepping up to offer a remedy besides "do you want the fries, we'll make them for you?" resulted in the rating and this review. Own the mistakes and offer to remedy beyond asking the customer, take the initiative and remedy on behalf of the customer. We did not leave with a memorable experience. Would I come back to the Brown Barrel? Maybe. Those fried mushrooms were really darn tasty; but, given this first experience on our first day and first meal in Frankfurt, I'll likely look to other restaurants in-town or in nearby towns. read more

This is the very definition of a Local hole in the wall. When you walk in the place is very unassuming. The floors are bare, polished concrete which has seen 100 years or more of changes and scarring. The seating is very basic. Everything is kept up well and clean. Despite this the place was packed! We were actually surprised as the stores were all closed and there wasn't much going on in town at that time. It was a good menu for a barbecue joint. We both ordered the chicken and ribs. Before I get into the food, I just want to add that the timing was good all around. We were sat immediately. Our waitress took our order and was very attentive. And even the food came out in a timely fashion. Now on to the food. We both enjoyed the chicken and everything else that was on our plates. For me what made my night was the ribs. I'm not a person who likes a sweet sauce on their ribs. For my taste, these were the best ribs that I have had in a very, very long time. The sauce made the ribs for me. We were both well satisfied with our meals. In short, it's nothing fancy. But the food is delicious and they do what they do well. I would definitely return if I was in the area again. And yes, I would recommend giving them a try. read more

Great service, low maintanence decor. Very nice waiter. Steak was amazing. Mashed potatoes good also. Got the green beans and they had some bacon cooked in. However- did I mention the mashed potatoes? Special, worth it!! Convenient location to buffalo trace distillery. read more

Superb casual restaurant in Frankfort. I ordered the KENTUCKY HOT BROWN. When in Rome, eat like the Romans. It was such a good comfort food. Just don't think about it's unhealthiness when eating. The gravy that douses the samdwich is scrumptious. Add some bacon, some tomato to the turkey sandwich. So good!!! They seated us without reservations. The place felt like a cross between a pub and a diner. They have some bourbon offerings to enjoy...because again, when in Rome. read more

The Brown Barrel - Kentucky Hot Brown - American Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

We enjoy the food here and the service was amazing! We had a larger party the last time we visited for my son's birthday and they were very accommodating and super friendly. We've tried several of their sandwiches and enjoyed them all. read more

Went to this restaurant with a large group on a Monday afternoon for lunch. They were able to accommodate us quickly. The catfish was good - very flavorful. I got the grilled and others got fried. Both were really good. Service was friendly and efficient. read more

This is my first one-star review. I want to start by saying I consider myself patient and understanding, but my experience at Brown Barrel made it very difficult to be either. My band played at an event in Frankfort, and my in-laws came from out of town. We planned to go out to eat afterward, and I chose The Brown Barrel because the menu had something for everyone. When we arrived, we were quickly seated. However, 10 minutes passed, and I finally asked the hostess if we were supposed to order at the register or if there was a server. She said there was a server and that she would be with us soon. After another 5-10 minutes of waiting (without acknowledgment, drinks, etc.), we left. I was disappointed, especially because I chose the restaurant. I try to give people and places the benefit of the doubt, but it wasn't crowded, and surely the hostess could have at least brought over some water instead of being on her phone. I really want to go back, and when I do, I hope to update this review. read more

The Brown Barrel - Menus on table - American Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

We stopped in for a quick dinner tonight. Let me tell you that Veda is the sweetest and kindest server I've ever had. She was an absolute doll. Drink and food prices are very reasonable. We had a burger and surf and turf. My medallions seemed more like a sirloin cut in half and it was just ok. The shrimp that came with it were awesome! Huge with crispy batter and a chili sauce on the side. Husband's burger was good and cooked perfectly. Large selection of bourbons available, and some fun recipe cocktails. read more

The Brown Barrel - Drink menu - American Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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Brown Barrel has a great menu with lots of variety. We sat on the back patio on a nice night and had very friendly service. Both the appetizers (fried banana peppers, grouper fingers, pretzels, and green tomatoes) and food was good. They do add an automatic gratuity for parties over a certain size which isn't uncommon. It showed up on the bill as "service charge" though rather than specifically saying it's for gratuity/tip like I've seen at other places and there is a "suggested tip" at the bottom as well so don't be confused. read more

After a Maundy Thursday service at church we walked over here for supper. This time we were seated in a booth towards the back of the dining room, close to the kitchen. Even with the traffic to and from the counter at the kitchen, I think it was quieter than a table by the front window and door. The salmon BLT caught my attention and I had the creamy skillet macaroni and cheese for my side dish. Hubby couldn't resist getting the Hot Brown, one of his favorites. Our server Kim asked me if I wanted olives in my Caesar salad, which was an addition I had not tried before. The olives were a savory, salty, and tasty addition to the salad that I will include again. After eating the generous salad, I had half of my entree left to enjoy for lunch the next day. Please note that the restaurant is now adding a 3% charge for the convenience of paying with a credit or debit card to help cover their costs. read more

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Dang good lunch. The menu has a little bit of everything. Our waitress was great. Gave us some recommendations and we each had a different item. Cuban sandwich, braised short rib sandwich and the Nashville chicken sandwich. All were amazing. Top notch service with a great attitude. Keep it up because we will be back. Great place for lunch for sure read more

The Brown Barrel - Nashville chicken sandwich - American Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

Excellent service, food, drink and dessert! In the area on vacation, walking around town and stopped in!

Oh my the food here is just fantastic. We were unsure what to order everything looked so good. My husband had the beef skewers which were so tender and delicious. I had The Shorty which was short ribs. The Brown Barrel appetizer was very good and enough for at least four people. I would highly recommend this place for lunch/dinner. read more

While the hostess lacked friendliness, the servers were very welcoming and attentive. The atmosphere is like a hole in the wall in AA historic downtown area. The food was good, but nothing to go out of your way for. I got the chicken salad and my hubby got shrimp and grits. No complaints about either but nothing special either. read more

We went there 2 times while we were in town. Great location. Service and food were great too!

Stumbled upon this place purely by accident. Definitely not a fancy place and that was exactly what I was looking for. Just a down home kind of place. Our server was friendly enough. Not exactly chipper and outgoing. (maybe she was just having a difficult day) But, she was all business. She took care of us. I got the pork belly sandwich. It was good. I only wish it was cooked slightly more on the flat top with just a bit more glaze. The onion rings were excellent. Bot the pork belly and onion rings came out super hot. My wife ordered the kids chicken tenders. She isn't as adventurous as I am to try new things. Anyways, it was 3 big Tenders and hot French fries. read more

We came here after my husband took me to an Italian restaurant I hated. I LOVED this place. It just comfortable and friendly. We ate at the bar. i had a club sandwich. It was big, perfect and delicious. Came with fries which were... fries. Pretty good too. The bartender was excellent and attentive. The hostess was fun and came over to chat as we were finishing up. We enjoyed our meal here. Way way way more than the Italian restaurant down the street. read more

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This was a quick stop for lunch before going to some bourbon places in the area. Wait staff was friendly, cute little place to eat. The food was good. read more

Great Chili! Out of towner experiencing the Bourbon Trail and looking for good food near Buffalo Trace distillery . Highly recommend! read more

Excellent service on a slow Sunday afternoon. Food was also excellent. Decent selection of bourbon, but no price list. It's concerning to me when bars don't publish prices. Still, we enjoyed our meal and would visit again when in the area. read more

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Mixed review on this one. First off it was hot inside, so either they had an issue with A/C or just kept it hot in there. Hubby had cheeseburger added avocado & a fried egg on pretzel roll. He said it was quite good. His came with mac cheese. It was ok, creamy but could have used more cheese. I had the fried chicken salad. Disappointed, the chicken was overcooked & I had to chew and spit out, it was tough. Supposedly it was over spring mix with cuke, cheese & tomato. No tomato, no spring mix. The drinks were reasonable too. The one good thing was the appetizer which was beer battered mushrooms with creamy horseradish sauce. They were hot, crunchy & tasty. Our server was ok, she was pleasant a little slow to get our check. This place is older & nothing fancy. If in town again I'd pass. It was just ok. read more

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The food was very good. The drinks were mediocre. The service was horrible. We were excited to try this nearby restaurant but left wanting more. The pork belly sandwich I had was delicious as well as my family's entrees. Our drink were okay but nothing to write home about, Old Fashions were from a mix. The service was nonexistent. We ordered our drinks and they took a bit. We put in our appetizer and dinner order and the bottom fell out. We were never checked if we needed another round. Our appetizer came out after about 20 minutes with our dinners 1 minute behind them. We received a water refill near the end of our stay. I had to go to the bar and wait about 5 minutes to get our check so we could leave. Again, the food was good. I am hoping it was just an off night for service. read more

Great service, solid food. We each had a burger, very good. Not fancy, but good.

Loved Roger!! Me and friends went to the brown barrel after taking photos and the food was great but our service was even better. Roger was so nice and so understanding the whole time read more

The food and drinks was amazing The service was awesome. Went on bourbon tour and this was a great way to end the day. read more

Using Yelp we found this gem located in downtown Frankfort. The lovely Mrs and I really liked the folks and vibe of downtown so decided we'd do every meal here while in town. We walked in, immediately seated. Jay, our server, was incredibly nice(as we'd experienced with everybody here in downtown Frankfort). We are rather easy going and I simply asked Jay, "What do you recommend?" He replied with pork belly sandwich and the Kentucky hot brown. So this is exactly what we ordered. Quick turnaround as food was delivered in a very short time. Kudos to the kitchen staff for their speediness and the presentation. I tried the pork belly sandwich which was incredible and the learned that the glaze was made with Woodford Reserve!? Oh my... so tasty. Now thinking I'd won the 'who got the best dish' competition I had with the lovely Mrs... the KHB (fried chicken) with that mornay sauce absolutely crushed it. Never had anything like this and I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed it. This is one of those dishes where I made notes so I can try to make this at home. It was that good. If you're ever in the area, go here hungry and order this and plan for a nap afterwards. I do love that this is a local shop and we get to support local families. This makes me happy. read more

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The burger was excellent. Skip the onion rings, they were limp and poorly seasoned! The service was excellent and the restaurant was clean and well decorated. read more

The Brown Barrel - American Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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We stumbled upon this restaurant after a failed attempt to eat at another local restaurant...Bourbon on Main. I am so glad we found this spot. Staff was amazingly friendly and helpful. The food was outstanding. M husband had the pork belly sandwich, and he said it was delicious. I had the build your own burger, and the meat was cooked just right and the toppings were fresh. The restaurant has a "homey" feel to it. The bar area had comfortable seats and good service. We will definitely go back when we are in the area. read more

Had a great lunch at BB in Frankfort. Cheeseburger was AMAZING. and perfect. Delicious fries and beer. Great service and during their happy hour. It's worth the drive to Frankfort to try. And if you're already here, stop in. You will love it. read more

The Brown Barrel - Delicious Heineken and a great chilled glass. - American Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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MJ was AWESOME with recommendations of menu items . He had a wonderful personality, great tajin rim jobs & fabulous nasty sauce ~ Ty MJ & we luv ya l The Brown Barrell read more

The Brown Barrel - American Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

The was a great local spot. The food was very good. I had the California Burger with fries. After tip the burger and soda came to $27. A little pricey for a burger, but it was good and I like supporting local spots like this. The service was great. We had lunch, so I didn't try any of the signature drinks. It did have a full bar though. The atmosphere was very casual. Overall I recommend it! read more

It appeared they were a bit short handed when we arrived. There were multiple empty tables that had dishes with leftover food and drinks on them and the inside could used a little sprucing up, BUT I will not be swayed by the appearance of a restaurant with great food and service with a smile. The pork belly salad and fried green tomatoes were nothing short of delicious. Portions are more than enough to share and I enjoyed a great dirty martini. After sampling a bit of my food it was off to grab a few bites from The husband's plate of fried catfish and brussel sprouts, which did not disappoint either. There is a lot of history surrounding this building and the restaurant that was en joyful to learn about as well.We will be back for sure. read more

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Ordered a bacon Bloody Mary from their menu. No bacon. Asked for lemons olives and olive juice. Received lives and olives no olive juice. Ordered pork belly sandwich from the menu. No pork belly ordered hot chicken sandwich. Arrived before appetizer. Before my husband's hamburger. Gave us a partial credit on my husband's hamburger arriving after my sandwich and appetizer. It sat at my table watching the line cooks eating while cooking. Maybe they should prepare the food accordingly and worry about snacking later. Very disappointed. Would give a zero star if possible. read more

We came after a quick stop from the Buffalo Trace Distillery and while the other reviews indicated it was a good spot, we were disappointed. The appetizer Brown Barrel tots did not look appealing. It tasted ok but nothing special. We had the chili and house salad with pineapple vinaigrette dressing. The chili tasted like mushy beans and the dressing on the salad was watered down. Unfortunately the short rib sandwich and the turnip mixed greens were all too salty. Sorry no pictures to provide. read more

Atmosphere is nice, clean and staff is super nice friendly! Has the pretzels - so good and definitely fresh! Also had the pork belly sandwich and onion rings-again fresh comfort food always hits the spot. read more

My Club sandwich was just ok. My boyfriend's fish & chips were really good according to him. The loaded barrel bites were my favorite thing I tried....Service was excellent. Value was good. Ambiance, just ok. I'm wish we opted to sit on the patio. read more

Awesome stop after Buffalo trails distillery tour. Great food and service, the Kentucky hot brown sandwich with fried chicken is the bomb . Make sure you ask for MJ to be your server, he was the best !! read more

We sat at the bar for a cocktail then decided to order food. Everything was really good. A locals place but felt welcome. Very casual