The Bistro

Name: The Bistro
Address: 1129 College Street, Bowling Green, KY, United States, 42101
Telephone: (270) 781-9646
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.9

4.9

681 Reviews

$30 and under

Bistro

Top Tags:

Elegant. Sophisticated. Fine Dining.
Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky's historic downtown district, The Bistro welcomes you to one-of-a-kind dining. Just two blocks from serene Fountain Square, the two-story restored 1893 Fletcher House plays host to both first rate meals and service. Whether you are enjoying dinner for two in our elegant dining room or on our spacious patio, drinks with friends at the bar, or a private function in the upstairs meeting space, we shall make your experience memorable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 31, 2023

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(270) 781-9646

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Bistro, American, Seafood
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 10:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–8:15 pm
Phone number
(270) 781-9646
Website
https://www.thebistrobg.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Sasa Mandrapa
Catering
From corporate luncheons to wedding receptions, The Bistro proudly offers catering services to meet your individual needs. We are happy to create a customized menu tailored to your party without breaking your budget. You can expect a level of service that isn’t seen much anymore.
Private party facilities
Wedding rehearsal dinners. Office parties. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Catering. Whatever the special occasion, let The Bistro make it memorable. Private dining is available upstairs in an 1,800 square foot space that seats up to 50 with a separate bar, and a choice between a pre-selected menu, open menu, buffet menu, or custom menu for your guests.
Private party contact
Hayley Worman or Jen Crockett: (270) 781-9646

Location
1129 College Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Neighborhood
Bowling Green
Cross street
E 12th Ave
Parking details
Our Parking Lot is shared/connected to the Post Office off E. 11th Ave-- Accessible by E. 11th or College Street. <br> There is also Free Parking directly across College Street.
Entertainment
Mondays: Half Price Select CocktailsTuesdays: Half Price BeerWednesdays: Half Price Wine
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Bacon Wrapped Dates$13.00
gorgonzola cream cheese stuffed
Crab Meat Beignets$14.00
basil butter sauce
Calamari$12.00
roasted garlic romesco (nut allergy)
Brussel Sprouts$9.00
sweet potato chips, remoulade, garlic aioli
Pimento Cheese$8.00
chicharrons, crostini
Board$14.00
meats, cheese, fig jam, pickled vegetables, crostini
Artichoke Fritters$9.00
remoulade

Greens

Panzanella$9.00
fresh mozzarella, tomato, artichoke hearts, onion, cucumber, cold cuts, croutons, mango champagne vinaigrette
Matilda$7.00
greens, beets, goat cheese, grilled pear, walnuts, cranberry balsamic
Wedge$8.00
bacon, eggs, red onions, blue cheese dressing
Harvest$7.00
greens, butternut squash, brussels, walnuts, apples, gorgonzola, pomegranate poppy seed vinaigrette

Main

Add House, Caesar, or Soup $5

Rabbit$26.00
butternut squash arugula risotto, cranberry port wine
Veal Saltimbocca$24.00
prosciutto, mushroom, artichoke heart, gorgonzola vermouth
Mediterranean Cod$18.00
tomatoes, artichoke, capers, basil, parmesan cheese, white wine butter
Chicken Picatta$21.00
tomato, spinach, capers, mushroom, white wine lemon butter, penne
Salmon Crab Cake$18.00
arugula, tomatoes, walnuts, olives, sweet potato, pickled onion, lemon caper aioli
Filet
chef's choice
- MKT
Shrimp & Grits$19.00
brussel sprouts, shallots, bacon, pimento cheese grits, smoked jalapeno butter
Salmon$23.00
chef's choice
Tortellini Carbonara$17.00
house smoked pork belly, peas, mushrooms, pecorino cream
Bistro Burger$15.00
chef's choice
Bruschetta Linguine$17.00
truffle balsamic basil, tomato, artichoke, arugula, pine nuts, fresh mozzarella
Chicken and Crawfish$26.00
sundried tomato champagne, mushroom brussel sprout risotto
Voodoo Rice$22.00
andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, peppers, onions, salsa criolla
Pork Chop {White Marble Farms}$24.00
panko, arugula, sweet potato, shallot, tomato, pecorino, caper lemon butter

What 681 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Best Overall
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Best Food
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Best Service
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Best Ambiance
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Best Value
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Good for business meals
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Good for groups
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Healthy
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Neighborhood gem
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Great for fine wines
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Romantic
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Good for special occasions
Western Kentucky / SW Indiana
Lively

Sort by

PJ
PJames
New Mexico
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great! As always. Love the food. Table was ready and waiting. Service was good. We have never had a bad meal at The Bistro!
JK
JohnsonK
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband had the rabbit and he said it was just ok. I had the shrimp and grits and it was sooooo good. Definitely get your money's worth. The service was great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Western KY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
The food was great but our server was ok. My drink never got refilled and my husband had to ask her for a refill.
H
Heather
Nashville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, the art, the atmosphere from the second we walked in was so cozy! Everyone was kind, and again, THE FOOD!! We had 3 courses and everything was the best I’ve had in a while! Also, I had a cocktail that was so wonderful as well. Breanna was our server and she was phenomenal and made the whole experience so amazing. That was our first time there and we will definitely be back!!!!
SR
SpirosR
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second time at The Bistro and had a great experience. The pork chop was absolutely delicious and would highly recommend it. Will be back the next time we are in Bowling Green.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Western KY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my wife out for her birthday and we enjoyed it as usual. You will never be disappointed at this place and the staff are great .
WL
WalterL
Cleveland
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The filet was prepared perfectly and was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Chicken piccata was wonderful. I would recommend them to anyone.
G
Gary
Western NC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding service and GREAT food..... we loved it and will be back even though we live 3 hours away we will make a trip to Bowling Green and go to the Bistro for sure!!!
DA
DeAnnM
Western KY
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The great customer service and the exquisite food keep us coming back. Our server, Wayne was super. Bistro is our favorite place to dine. The Tuna Tartar appetizer was a special on the menu and the Salmon is consistently fabulous. The Harvest salad is a must. Thank you Bistro for giving your best to BG.
TP
TommyP
Western KY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Appetizers were excellent, and meals were very perfect! Service was great aand a good wine selection. Will definitely recommend and continue to come to Bistro! I really enjoy eating in the back room and look forward to warm weather when we can dine outside.
P
Peck
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was amazing. The Bistro offers a variety of food you will not find at most restaurants. We had a party of six and everyone’s food was delicious. It was a bit pricey but great a setting for a celebration.
AD
AnthonyD
Alabama
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very nice old home that was turned into a restaurant. Nice waitresses and everyone was very nice
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent cocktails, appetizers, and entrees. Every single thing our party of 6 ordered was delicious
RR
RubyRed14
Nashville
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, The Bistro delivered. Gathering with a couple of local relatives who first introduced us to this wonderful establishment almost a year ago, we all truly enjoyed our cocktails, starters, soup, main courses, dessert and aperitifs. A huge shoutout to Andrea, our attentive and effervescent server!
MD
MikeD
Western KY
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service, it will be a very memorable time
OT
OpenTable Diner
Western KY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful time
RH
ReneH
Las Vegas
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
OT
OpenTable Diner
Western KY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our server was amazing and the f
CG
ChrisG
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We have dined here several times, it never disappoints.
DB
DavBG
Anchorage
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very close to downtown; parking is little iffy if their little lot is full. Many people park across the street if after 5PM. The owner has solidified the kitchen so that the quality of food is top-notch; this is their flagship restaurant of their five in the area. Our latest visit was before a SKyPAC event, but many in the area go there for birthdays, anniversaries, promotion, and graduation celebrations. Wait staff know the food specials well.
MB
MattB
Western KY
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ate there for our anniversary. Loved the atmosphere, food, drinks and most of all our very personable server. She took excellent care of us and added to our special night. Thank you so much!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tallahassee
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beef Manhattan’s gravy and mashed potatoes great and shrimp and grits not a better 2 dishes anywhere. Noise level makes conversations difficult
JM
JohnM
Louisville
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great as always. Too $ as always. Service was fine, very polite and attentive. Dining alone = 1/2 tip, so nice to c the attention. I’ll b bak, of course.
JF
JanetF
Western NC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It's my favorite restaurant in the area. We always celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special occasions here. Food is excellent
TB
TomiB
Western KY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The ambiance, food, and service are fantastic. We will make it a point to eat here on our next visit to Bowling Green!
JM
JohnM
Louisville
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and food flavor fantastic. Glad I had 1/2 salad and 1/2 to take home for $72 incl tip. Was it worth it? I'll be back!!
CT
CarolT
Phoenix
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Pleasant staff. Menu extensive. Lots of food items to choose from. Great value. Food very good, but not excellent.
EL
EricaL
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
This was the perfect date night spot for New Year's Eve. The food was phenomenal and the server's suggestions were great, even if he didn't go over the specials with us. :( If we are ever back in Bowling Green, this will be on our list!
BT
BillT
Nashville
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place for a great meal. Out of duck which was a special that night. Ordered the veal again because it has never disappointed. Very attentive waitstaff. One of our favorite dinner spots in Bowling Green.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and fantastic service in a super cool atmosphere. What more could you ask for?
RB
RobinB
Cincinnati
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent service and food. Good value for the dollar. Adorable venue nestled downtown in campus are, yet for us older adults as well
KH
KenH
Western KY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food! The Bistro carefully pays attention to its craft - the food. It is a cut above most everything else in BG - for fine dining.
KO
KimO
Indiana
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always love The Bistro! We are thankful they stayed open even though the weather was bad. Food was exceptional.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Office Christmas party
M
Mary
Nashville
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food served at The Bistro is delicious. The service and ambiance are delightful.
CB
CourtneyB
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Coming to the Bistro on my birthday has become a tradition! ❤️ My friends and I look forward to celebrating here every year.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Western KY
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 9, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Dinner prior to going to a play at Skypac. Server Zoey was excellent and very professional. Enjoyed the experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pork chop--Delicious!
EE
EmeEn
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Favorite place for Sunday brunch!! Probably y favorite place to eat in Bowling Green!! A welcoming, calm environment in such a cool location. I am a college student and this is where I always take visitors for dinner or brunch on the weekend. A great menu; enough options that if you have a picky eater with you, they can find something. The staff is always so nice and service is great! I can't recommend it enough.
SS
SonyaS
Louisville
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was wonderful! I would highly recommend!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

The Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (270) 781-9646.

The Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 681 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 31, 2023

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(270) 781-9646

1129 College Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
E 12th Ave
Neighborhood
Bowling Green
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 10:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–8:15 pm
Cuisines
Bistro, American, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Our Parking Lot is shared/connected to the Post Office off E. 11th Ave-- Accessible by E. 11th or College Street. <br> There is also Free Parking directly across College Street.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Sasa Mandrapa
Entertainment
Mondays: Half Price Select CocktailsTuesdays: Half Price BeerWednesdays: Half Price Wine
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.thebistrobg.com/
Phone number
(270) 781-9646
Catering
From corporate luncheons to wedding receptions, The Bistro proudly offers catering services to meet your individual needs. We are happy to create a customized menu tailored to your party without breaking your budget. You can expect a level of service that isn’t seen much anymore.
Private party facilities
Wedding rehearsal dinners. Office parties. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Catering. Whatever the special occasion, let The Bistro make it memorable. Private dining is available upstairs in an 1,800 square foot space that seats up to 50 with a separate bar, and a choice between a pre-selected menu, open menu, buffet menu, or custom menu for your guests.
Private party contact
Hayley Worman or Jen Crockett: (270) 781-9646

The Bistro

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Shrimp & Grits

Rabbit

Salmon Crab Cake

Starters

Bacon Wrapped Dates$13.00

Crab Meat Beignets$14.00

Calamari$12.00

Brussel Sprouts$9.00

Pimento Cheese$8.00

Board$14.00

Artichoke Fritters$9.00

Greens

Panzanella$9.00

Matilda$7.00

Wedge$8.00

Harvest$7.00

Main

Rabbit$26.00

Veal Saltimbocca$24.00

Mediterranean Cod$18.00

Chicken Picatta$21.00

Salmon Crab Cake$18.00

Filet

Shrimp & Grits$19.00

Salmon$23.00

Tortellini Carbonara$17.00

Bistro Burger$15.00

Bruschetta Linguine$17.00

Chicken and Crawfish$26.00

Voodoo Rice$22.00

Pork Chop {White Marble Farms}$24.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does The Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Bistro restaurant rated?

Is The Bistro currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information