The Old Talbott Tavern

The Talbott Tavern has been nationally recognized for its significant place in American History. This tavern has been continuously operated since it was built (except the time necessary to repair fire damage) in the same building and at the same location. Since thelate 1700s, the Old Talbott Tavern on Court Square has provided shelter, food and drink to American travelers. It has been a silent witness to a stunning array of historical personages and events right out of the pages of American history. Figures straight from the history books sought food and shelter here during their travels; as a young boy Abraham Lincoln and his family stayed here, Gen. George Rogers Clark, Daniel Boone, and exiled French King Louis Phillipe and his entourage stayed here, even painting murals on the upstairs walls. There are noticeable bullet holes in the now faded paintings where it is legend Jesse James shot them. We are the worlds oldest Bourbon Bar. Such figures as T.R. Beam, Jims brother, owned and operated the Talbott Tavern at one time. T.R. later sold it to Tom Moore, distiller (now Tom Moore Distillery), who also owned and operated the Talbott Tavern. In the dining room our kitchen staff has developed some new delicious and exciting tastes to our traditional foods. A regional specialty, the Kentucky Hot Brown, which our former chef, Ernie Geralds, stated he worked at the Brown Hotel during the creation of the dish and perfected it at the Talbott Tavern. As all taverns, we still offer food, lodging and event management for larger groups.