The Volstead Bourbon Lounge — Restaurant in Bardstown

My wife and I stopped in here for an after-lunch "day-cap" on August 7th, 2024 while walking around Bardstown's backstreets. It was a Wednesday afternoon at around 3:00 pm and the place was completely empty........except for the co-owner (the one-and-only bartender) and two Bourbon sales reps from different companies who were trying to convince her to buy some "exclusive, small batch, limited-edition" bottles or cases. After she had sent them both on their way, we chatted with her for about an hour. She was SUPER knowledgeable about every unfamiliar label of Bourbon she had in her vast collection behind the bar. There were probably over 1000 different bottles on her shelves, with over a third being ones that you'd never even heard of, nor could ever even find for sale, even in a ritzy neighborhood's liquor store that catered to billionaires. I did not think this lounge was anything special. But the vast number of different labels of Bourbons on the back of the bar shelves certainly made it worth a stop just to help me gain some perspective of, and an appreciation for just how broad and diverse the market is for top-shelf, truly "small-batch" Bourbons is in the USA. Since this "joint" is supposed to be a mock-up 'speakeasy' from the Prohibition era with secret entrance ways, it was a little hard to figure out where the entrance was, and we almost skipped over it thinking it was a tourist trap. I'm just a run-of-the mill Bourbon drinker, but this place certainly impressed me because of its vast collection of off-brand labels. It would be the perfect stop for a true Bourbon connoisseur or a well-studied amateur Bourbon aficionado to go inside for a nightcap, if for anything just to see if they could stump the bartender with regard to her private label brand trivia and/or their purported distillery secrets. From our one hour conversation with her, which was very informative about the state of the Bourbon industry, I'm thinking she would stump both classes of these types of customers. She was definitely a well-versed "sommelier"...

If you're looking for the perfect blend of elegance, warmth, and a true local gem in downtown Bardstown, The Volstead Bourbon Lounge is the place to be! From the moment you step inside, the stunning speakeasy-style decor sets the tone for a relaxed yet upscale experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this spot feels like home.

The service is top-notch. Bodi and Suzanne go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Their knowledge, hospitality, and passion for what they do make all the difference. You won’t just have a great drink; you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

The bourbon coffee is a must-try, offering the perfect balance of rich, smooth flavors with that signature Kentucky kick. And don’t even think about leaving without trying the bourbon slushie—it’s refreshing, delicious, and the perfect sip for strolling around downtown. Especially from 12a-9p when you can grab your drink to go in the Bourbon Capital District!

The Volstead Bourbon Lounge is a true standout with its prime location, walkability to Bardstown’s best spots, and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a night out, or just stopping in for a drink, this place is an...

We decided to stay in Bardstown during a planned “KY Bourbon Trail” trip in which we visited several distilleries in the surrounding area. Little did we know that per the recommendation of “a friend of a friend”, The Volstead Bourbon Lounge would be one of our favorite stops! Not only do they have hundreds of bourbon selections at different levels and price points, but their bartenders also create cocktails that use bourbon in unexpected, delicious ways. Brodie is a walking encyclopedia of bourbon and cocktails, and he, and the other bartenders and staff, were passionate about sharing their wealth of bourbon knowledge with their guests!

If you’re a bourbon aficionado, visiting the town of Bardstown, and would like some fabulous bourbon, or unique bourbon cocktails, plan a visit to The Volstead Bourbon Lounge for some bourbon excellence. Better yet, add it to your KY Bourbon Trail itinerary! You will...