The Stave

Name: The Stave
Address: 5711 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY, United States, 40601
Telephone: (859) 879-0101
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

227 Reviews

$30 and under

Southern

Top Tags:

We are NO LONGER accepting online reservations through Opentable. Please visit our Yelp page or Facebook page to book an online reservation! You may also always feel free to call us directly.

A Kentucky Bourbon Trail Restaurant and bourbon bar on the bank of Glenn's Creek, featuring elevated Kentucky-inspired cuisine, a full bar with specialty cocktails, and a beautiful covered patio. Ideally located (within a 4 mile span) between Woodford Reserve Distillery, Glenn's Creek Distillery and the newly opened Castle & Key Distillery on McCracken Pike! Enjoy a beautiful Kentucky day at the Stave!

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(859) 879-0101

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Southern, American, Contemporary Southern
Hours of operation
Wed–Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Lunch Mon, Tue 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Phone number
(859) 879-0101
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jon Sanning
Catering
The Stave Caters! Please call the restaurant at 859-879-0101 to ask about our Bourbon Pairing or Gin Pairing menus!
Private party facilities
The Stave is available for private events! Bourbon Pairing and Gin Pairing dinners are our specialty! Please call the restaurant at 859-879-0101 for reservation rates.

Location
5711 McCracken Pike Frankfort, KY 40601
Neighborhood
Versailles
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Boiler Maker Beer Cheese$6.00
House beer cheese made with bourbon and local beer. Served with seasonal vegetables & crackers
Black Eyed Pea Fritters$6.00
With sweet onion relish and cucumber salad
Pimento Cheese Grit Bites$7.00
Portions of pimento cheese grits, deep fried and served with pepper jelly
Hot Brown Fries$12.00
Hand cut fries topped with Mornay sauce, diced smoked turkey, crispy bacon & diced tomato
Cast Iron Cornbread$5.00
Served with butter & pepper jelly
Pickle-Brined Hot Chicken$8.00
Pickle-brined, buttermilk fried chicken with spicy cajun seasoning. Served with fried banana peppers & creamy herb sauce
Country Ham Biscuits$7.00
Four mini country ham biscuits, served with apple butter, Willett bourbon-sorghum whole grain mustard, and caramelized onion relish
Deviled Eggs$7.00
Stone Fan Farm deviled eggs dusted with bourbon barrel-smoked paprika. Served with bread & butter-pickled greens
Snack Board$18.00
Pimento cheese, benedictine, bourbon barrel beer cheese, country ham, chow chow, deviled eggs, spiced candied walnuts, pepper jelly, corn bread, crackers

Soups

Burgoo & Cornbread
A traditional Kentucky stew made with chicken, pork, beef, and vegetables. Served with cast iron cornbread
- Cup$6.00
- Bowl$9.00
Soup Beans & Cornbread
Vegan without cornbread
- Cup$4.00
- Bowl$6.00

Salads

House-made dressings: Creamy Herb Yogurt, Smoked Miso-Mustard Vinaigrette, Bourbon-Sorghum Vinaigrette, Caramelized Onion Vinaigrette. Additions: Bacon $2, Country Ham $2, Bourbon Barrel Beer Cheese $2, Pimento Cheese $2, Local Egg $1, White Cheddar $1

Hoppin' John$12.00
Local greens, Hoppin' John, roasted local squash, FoodChain micro greens, smoked miso-mustard vinaigrette
Ancient Grain Salad Bowl$12.00
Quinoa, millet, barley, pomegranate, dried cranberry, roasted shaved mushrooms & brussels sprouts, shaved red onion, radishes, roasted squash, FoodChain micro greens, smoked miso-mustard
Bourbon Bibb$10.00
Local greens, candied spiced walnuts, shaved red onion, apples, cornbread croutons, bourbon-sorghum vinaigrette (Vegan without cornbread croutons)
Country Ham & Egg$14.00
Local greens, crispy country ham, soft-boiled Stone Fall Farm egg, cornbread croutons, heirloom tomato, caramelized onion vinaigrette

Sandwiches

Served with choice of side

Pimento Grilled Cheese$12.00
House pimento cheese, crispy fried green tomato, pickle, & onion on sourdough
Kentucky Beef Burge$12.00
1/3 lb. local beef, lettuce, pickle, tomato, onion, & Duke's Mayo on potato bun
Pickle-Brined Hot Chicken$12.00
Pickle-brined, buttermilk fried chicken with spicy cajun seasoning, with lettuce, pickles, and Duke's Mayo on a potato bun

Entrees

Ask your server about our nightly entrée specials

Fried Chicken Plate$18.00
Buttermilk fried half chicken with mashed potatoes & gravy, braised greens and house-made biscuits drizzled with local honey
The Stave Hot Brown$14.00
Our unique twist on the traditional Hot Brown! An open-faced sandwich on country ham spoon bread, with sliced turkey breast, Mornay sauce, crispy bacon & tomato
Blackened Catfish & Grits$14.00
Seared Lake Barkley catfish served over Weisenberger Mill cheese grits with creole sauce and braised greens
Fried Catfish Plate$14.00
Two Lake Barkley catfish fillets fried in seasoned Weisenberger Mill flour. Served with french fries cornbread, and choice of side
Chicken & Dumplings$14.00
Stewed chicken, vegetables, herbs and fluffy dumplings in rich chicken stock

Sides

Individual sides $4

Cornbread Salad
Hand Cut Fries
House Salad
Cheese Grits
Hoppin' John
Potato Salad
House Kettle Chips

Desserts

Bread Pudding$6.00
Reminiscent of a traditional Kentucky pie, with chocolate, walnuts, and bourbon sauce
Seasonal Pie$5.00
See specials board for seasonal pie selection

Beverages

Ale-8-One$1.50
Ginger ale locally produced in Winchester, KY
Fresh Brewed Coffee$1.50

Pepsi Products & Iced Tea

$1.50; Free refills on these products

Pepsi
Diet Pepsi
Mountain Dew
Dr. Pepper
Sierra Mist
Ginger Ale
Lemonade
Sweet Tea
Unsweet Tea

What 227 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

TB
ToddB
Detroit
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my third time visiting The Stave. The food is simply outstanding and the service was great. While out doing the bourbon trail make this your dinner stop!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was great, server and host were super sweet, and we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon at The Stave! Can’t wait to go back again.
SS
StevenS
Louisville
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service3ambience3
Very good place to have brunch.
a
allenh
Orlando
41 reviews
vip
4.0
41 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
good food, good service, bit pricey but overall nice.
DG
DonnaG
Louisville
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our second visit and it’s was excellent on all accounts!!
KS
KatieS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved it! The food was great and very filling. Wanted something on the lunch menu and they accommodated with no questions asked.
AB
AnitaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Stave is real culinary gem in Woodford County. Ably managed with wonderful food, we were last there on February 15. The place was packed and yet, we noticed that an unsuspecting couple who had driven from Winchester without a reservation were accommodated. We did not feel rushed in the least. The cocktails are well-crafted and the food is adventurous but local which we love. If I have a negative, it would be that I wish the wine selection was more robust but it is all good. Big thumbs up all around.
U
Unhappycustomer
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall1food3service1ambience1
My husband and I went for Valentine’s Day. We were sat in a covered porch when it was 40 degrees outside. We had reservations we had put in a day in advance. When we sat down, we had requested to the waiter if we could sit down that we were getting cold. He told us “I don’t know, I would have to ask the general manager.” He then said he would turn on the heaters for us. My husband ordered a veil t-bone for $23 and it had about 2 oz of meat on it. We have never been there before but the whole experience was terrible. We won’t be back.
1
1basque
Louisville
21 reviews
vip
2.0
21 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall2food1service1ambience2
We had no table for our reservation. Sat at bar for awhile watching the bartender reading drink recipes trying to make a Manhattan. Finally seated but waited over thirty minutes for someone to take our order. Finally put some cash on the table for the drinks and walked out. So can’t report on the food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, wonderful people! Super cute atmosphere
D
Darcy
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely an amazing experience. The food was brilliant, we had brunch and it was delightful. Vina was a gem and really made us feel welcome and taken care of. We will be going back again.
CP
CoraP
Louisville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and and atmosphere. Will come come back in the summer so we can enjoy the outside sitting area.
SC
SaraC
Louisville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always an excellent experience here. We love the build your own biscuits. All the brunch items we saw looked wonderful!
h
heyyylookitsval
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Stave is our new favorite weekend place! We live in Lexington but it is absolutely worth the drive. The food is incredible, perfect every time. And the service is outstanding. Vina is incredible. She is so friendly. Sitting at her table feels like going to an old friends house for brunch!
KM
KimberlyM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
It was our first visit upon making reservations for a birthday dinner, and the meal was superb!
CK
CharlesK
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 10, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at Stave. Not sure what to expect. Ambiance noisy but upbeat and fun. Several birthday/family gatherings. Always a good sign. Food sensational and service outstanding. Everything there is bourbon so be ready for an adventure. (e.g., I had sorghum/bourbon salad dressing. Very good!) Recommend pork shank dinner and will definitely go back.
BT
BigT
San Francisco
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience4
We enjoyed our visit. Food was excellent and the staff went out of their way to prepare GF oysters for my wife. They were great! Many bourbons to pick from- moderate to high price. Veggies prepared in a gourmet/southern style were different and very good! Second meal here. We will go back- make reservations on busy nights.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 10, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience5
The pork shank was excellent!
SD
SusiD
San Diego
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sophisticated fare in a casual atmosphere. A hidden gem and worth the trip !
JP
JulieP
Western NC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience4
The staff was wonderful. Actually made the experience so enjoyable. The food was good, but not spectacular.
DD
DanielleD
Phoenix
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our waiter T-Bone was EXCELLENT! He offered menu and drink suggestions that were spot on!
PA
PeggyAnnette
Louisville
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience5
We were a little surprised at how small the restaurant was. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Our server was very attentive. The food was hot and delicious, and the portions were generous. We will return.
AE
AndreaE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
Was a lovely little restaurant and all the servers were great! Food was delicious!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was outstanding, and so were the craft drinks!
A
Amy113
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sooooo good!!
D
Dsho
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time. Really enjoyed it!
RS
RichardS
Chicago
9 reviews
vip
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2019
overall2food1service4ambience1
We all ordered biscuits and gravy. That came out cold so the waitress took it back in and warmed it up. Then we noticed that the biscuits were only partially cooked and were mostly raw dough. Don’t think we’ll be back.
LG
LynnG
Cincinnati
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a wonderful lunch!! We will be back!!
B
Becca
Louisville
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2019
overall2food2service5ambience1
This place may be great in the summer? We went there on a girls day before touring Castle and Key. The food was ok, the atmosphere was not good for what we were looking for, it was way too rustic for a ladies brunch. The servers were excellent and did all they could with the really small and cramped restaurant.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Every item our party of four enjoyed was perfectly prepared, from the Snack Board (country ham, cornbread, beer cheese & a lot more) to the Pork Shank, Catfish & Soup Beans. The service was superb as well and the prices were very reasonable for the quality & quantity of food. We topped it off with Peppermint Bark Cheesecake & can't wait to come back.
BR
BillR
Savannah
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a fantastic find. In a very quiet area, with a great stream side setting, great menu, fantastic Bourbon Selection and awesome staff. A must try.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience4
We loved the food at this tiny woodsy place in the middle of nowhere. Classy and charming.
n
njdiner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
Need to add gluten free dessert Great cocktails
CM
CassandraM
Indiana
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Family dined after our daughter graduated from KSU. Lovely meal enjoyed by all and close to campus and our home.
BF
BradF
Louisville
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, drinks, and experience as always!
KD
KramerDK
Houston
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful restaurant and location!
DB
DavidB
Louisville
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is a joy. The food is fabulous in the country store typesetting is fun. The wait staff is cordial and friendly. I have been there at least a half a dozen times and never disappointed.
TR
TrishaR
Tampa
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2019
overall3food4service3ambience4
The Stave was recommended to us and I was looking forward to dining there. I was disappointed upon our arrival to discover that even though we had a confirmed reservation for 6 people, our options were to dine at picnic tables on the deck with portable heaters (it was 40 degrees) or inside at a very small hightop table near the bar. It was November and they did have plastic up to enclose the deck area but it was too cold to eat outside. We choose the inside seating which was very crowded. It was difficult for the staff to maneuver around. Our table was small, crowded and the high top stools were small and uncomfortable. However, the food was delicious and the staff very friendly. I would recommend The Stave if you have a small party.
S
Steakhouseseeker
Columbus
191 reviews
vip
5.0
191 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible menu!! Incredibly friendly STAFF. Down in the ♥️ of Bourbon Country. A MUST when in the area. Phenomenal Lunch location !!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Antonio
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time in a unique setting!

FAQs

The Stave offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (859) 879-0101.

The Stave is rated 4.5 stars by 227 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(859) 879-0101

Additional information

Neighborhood
Versailles
Hours of operation
Wed–Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Lunch Mon, Tue 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Cuisines
Southern, American, Contemporary Southern
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Jon Sanning
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Phone number
(859) 879-0101
Catering
The Stave Caters! Please call the restaurant at 859-879-0101 to ask about our Bourbon Pairing or Gin Pairing menus!
Private party facilities
The Stave is available for private events! Bourbon Pairing and Gin Pairing dinners are our specialty! Please call the restaurant at 859-879-0101 for reservation rates.

The Stave

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Bread Pudding

Blackened Catfish &amp Grits

Hot Brown Fries

Small Plates

Boiler Maker Beer Cheese$6.00

Black Eyed Pea Fritters$6.00

Pimento Cheese Grit Bites$7.00

Hot Brown Fries$12.00

Cast Iron Cornbread$5.00

Pickle-Brined Hot Chicken$8.00

Country Ham Biscuits$7.00

Deviled Eggs$7.00

Snack Board$18.00

Soups

Burgoo & Cornbread

Soup Beans & Cornbread

Salads

Hoppin' John$12.00

Ancient Grain Salad Bowl$12.00

Bourbon Bibb$10.00

Country Ham & Egg$14.00

Sandwiches

Pimento Grilled Cheese$12.00

Kentucky Beef Burge$12.00

Pickle-Brined Hot Chicken$12.00

Entrees

Fried Chicken Plate$18.00

The Stave Hot Brown$14.00

Blackened Catfish & Grits$14.00

Fried Catfish Plate$14.00

Chicken & Dumplings$14.00

Sides

Cornbread Salad

Hand Cut Fries

House Salad

Cheese Grits

Hoppin' John

Potato Salad

House Kettle Chips

Desserts

Bread Pudding$6.00

Seasonal Pie$5.00

Beverages

Ale-8-One$1.50

Fresh Brewed Coffee$1.50

Pepsi Products & Iced Tea

Pepsi

Diet Pepsi

Mountain Dew

Dr. Pepper

Sierra Mist

Ginger Ale

Lemonade

Sweet Tea

Unsweet Tea

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

Does The Stave offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Stave restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information