I recently had a little fun on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail but it wasn’t all about bourbon. We ate some amazing food and I can’t wait to share. So read on for the best places to eat in Frankfort KY!

One of my favorite ways to get to know a new place is by visiting as many restaurants, cafes, and bars as my body will allow. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.

Last time I visited Kentucky it was in our RV, which was a totally different experience.

This time, I had the pleasure of enjoying a long weekend with friends at the gorgeous and historic Bourbon Zone vacation rental, which is the perfect home base for exploring downtown Frankfort and beyond.

With Buffalo Trace Distillery just minutes away, we were already off to a great start.

Whether you are looking for bar food, drinks, fine dining, or a great hot chocolate, Frankfort has it all! And since the Kentucky River runs right through town, you will love walking from place to place as you explore this charming town.

In fact, everywhere we went we were met with great food and great service. Who could ask for more?

So let’s get on with it! Here are the best restaurants we found in downtown Frankfort.

Goodwood Brewing

If you’re looking for delicious craft beers, giant warm pretzels and a large menu selection, look no further than Goodwood Brewing.

The Frankfort location is actually one of five in KY, Ohio and Indiana and not to be missed!

If you can stumble onto a trivia night like we did, I can almost guarantee a great time. We loved the food, the service and even the friendly banter with our rival trivia teams.

You will find upscale comfort food including chicken and waffles, crispy tater tots and really good burgers.

During the warmer months, Goodwood has an outdoor seating area with gorgeous views of the river.

Read the Goodwood Menu.

Mi Fiesta

If Mexican food is your jam, you are in for a serious treat. I never would have guessed that historic downtown Frankfort, Kentucky would be home to one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever eaten in, but stranger things have happened!

Mi Fiesta is an unassuming restaurant on the quaint downtown St. Clair Street just a few steps away from the Grand Theatre, which still shows movies on most weekends.

Our server at Mi Fiesta was wonderful and had everyone at our table laughing. The food was incredible, fresh and filling and I know we weren’t the only ones who thought so.

There was a constant stream of diners coming in all night.

It’s the perfect place to start your evening if you plan to bar hop into the night as there are several nearby bars to check out before you head home.

Read the Mi Fiesta Menu. This was probably my favorite restaurant of the weekend as evidenced by my lack of photos! I was thoroughly enjoying this one.

Serafini

For a beautiful finer dining experience, Serafini offers an amazing bourbon selection, specialty cocktails, and amazing Italian food all in a comfortable and recently revamped setting.

Serafini would be a great choice for a date night or business dinner, but families will be happy to know that kids are also welcome and may just find some of the best pizza for lunch or dinner.

Y’all know I love my Italian pasta at home but it sure is nice to have someone else make it.

If Kentucky-inspired cuisine is on your radar, you can’t miss The Governor’s Hot Brown Sandwich! And you may need a moment to take in the 3 page bourbon list!

View the Serafini Menu to see all the delicious food choices.

Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe

Whether you want a coffee break while shopping or you want to sit down with a panini sandwich and a good book, Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe is the place to be.

This quirky little stop has great food and a really fun atmosphere.

In fact, you don’t even have to go outside to get there! If you are already shopping at Poor Richard’s Books or Completely Kentucky, you’ll find that these stores are all connected so you can enjoy all three without braving the elements outdoors.

And I do recommend a visit to all three shops!

Here’s one more tip if coffee isn’t your thing, they have a Mexican hot chocolate that is amazing with just a touch of cayenne for a little extra heat. Try it!

Want to grab take out instead? Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe has online ordering too.

Capital Cellars

While you are still downtown, be sure to pop in to Capital Cellars on W Broadway St. for a drink or to buy your own bottle of bourbon to bring home.

They also sell wine and other spirits and there are quite a few seating options from comfy chairs to tables to sit and enjoy your drink.

Make sure to take your time if you are bourbon hunting. You never know what surprises await at this fun little shop!

Andy’s Artisan Bread

Within walking distance from the State Capital and coincidentally from the Bourbon Zone vacation rental, Andy’s Artisan Bread is a must stop for all your breakfast and coffee needs.

The pastry selection is fresh and full of buttery goodness like croissants, cookies, muffins and specialty items.

Just make sure you make this a morning stop because they close at 2pm. You will not be sorry!

And yes, Andy is a real person. You can learn all about Andy’s story.

Rebecca Ruth Chocolate

No visit to Frankfort is complete without a stop into Rebecca Ruth. The chocolate here is amazing and made in house.

In fact, you can even take a tour to see how they do it.

Everything I tried was amazing and they welcome you right in with a sample of their famous bourbon ball topped with a pecan. Yum!

If you are staying at the Bourbon Zone like we did, you can’t miss it!

Poppy’s Bakery

If you plan to venture away from the town center or head out to tour the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Poppy’s bakery is absolutely worth a stop!

This bakery has a huge selection of sweet treats from pastries to some of the best homemade donuts I’ve ever had.

Grab some great coffee and leave with full bellies on your way out for the day. You won’t regret it.

Check out the Poppy’s website to learn all about the goodies they offer.

Buffalo Trace Distillery

And even though it’s not a restaurant, I can’t possibly talk about Frankfort without giving Buffalo Trace a little love!

Whether or not you are a bourbon drinker, a stop to this historic distillery should definitely be on your list of things to do in Frankfort.

If you schedule a tour, you will get a guided view into the bourbon-making process followed by a tasting of select Buffalo Trace products.

It is such a fun tour and the guides really do a great job. I highly recommend it.

That said, if you don’t want to tour or taste, you can still walk around a limited section of the grounds and view the information in the Visitor’s Center and gift shop.

Frankfort is a fantastic stop on the Bourbon Trail as it is centrally located to distilleries near Frankfort like Bufallo Trace or Castle & Key Distillery as well as those in Lexington, Louisville, and Bardstown.

You can even take a Bourbon Boat Tour on the Kentucky River to learn about the history of Bourbon and of course, have some tastings!

We were there during winter so were unable to take advantage of the ample outdoor seating. But I can’t wait to return this summer so we can experience a meal on the river!

If you are planning a Kentucky trip, I hope you have a delicious time! And if you have any questions, please let me know and I will help if I can.