What should I order at The Stave?
The Stave
Cheese Grits
Mentioned as the best grits ever had by a reviewer, highlighting the quality and flavor, especially notable along with the smoked bologna.
Smoked Bologna
Recommended for its strong flavor and authenticity, noted as a must-try unique Kentucky item despite being a large portion.
Pork BBQ Platter
Frequently praised for its smokiness and accompanied by phenomenal coleslaw and picked red onions, making it a standout barbecue dish.
Coleslaw
Repeatedly described as phenomenal and excellent, often served as a compliment to main dishes like the pork BBQ platter and pimento cheese sandwich.
Bread Pudding
Highly recommended dessert noted as 'ridiculously good' and a must-order item from the menu.
Bison Meatloaf
Praised for being delicious and satisfying enough for a reviewer with allergies to clean their plate, indicating high quality and taste.
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Recommended as one of the best pimento cheese sandwiches with excellent bread and paired with top-notch coleslaw.
Collard Greens
Called out as 'out of this world,' highlighting their exceptional preparation and taste.
Hoe Cakes
Suggested as a unique Kentucky dish to try, appreciated for authenticity and flavor.
Burgoo
Mentioned as a unique Kentucky cultural dish that is highly recommended to experience local cuisine.
Blackened Catfish
Recommended for its excellent preparation, often paired with Cajun gnocchi or grits, showcasing flavorful southern cooking.
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Highly recommended as an amazing meal choice, noted for its quality and taste.
Pulled Pork Platter
Praised for perfect smokiness and complemented with pickled onions and pickles, marking it as a favorite barbecue item.
Smash Burger
Mentioned as an excellent burger option, recommended for its flavor and quality.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
About The Stave
The Stave is a Southern restaurant in Frankfort, Kentucky, known for bourbon-focused dining, comfort food, and a cozy, casual setting. Reviewers consistently praise the bourbon selection, fast and friendly service, and standout dishes like fried bologna sandwiches, blackened catfish, meatloaf, and bread pudding. It is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, and it also offers outdoor seating and live music. The price range is listed at $20 to $30.
Amenities & services
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Stave known for?
The Stave is best known for its bourbon selection and Southern comfort food, especially when paired with a stop on a bourbon trail visit in Frankfort. Reviewers repeatedly call out the fried bologna sandwich, blackened catfish and grits, and bread pudding as reasons to come back.
What dishes are most recommended at The Stave?
The most recommended items include the fried bologna sandwich, blackened catfish and grits, Smokehouse Meatloaf, mushroom gnocchi, and black walnut bread pudding. Reviewers also praise the pimento cheese on sourdough, smash burgers, butternut squash soup, and cheese grits.
What is the atmosphere like at The Stave?
The Stave is described as small, cozy, casual, and trendy, with a relaxed southern vibe and live music. It suits couples, groups, and solo diners, and several reviews mention both the intimate indoor space and outdoor seating.
Is The Stave good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price range is $20 to $30, and reviewers describe it as a little pricey but worth it for the location, bourbon selection, and food quality. People often frame it as a solid stop during a bourbon tour, especially when ordering dishes like the meatloaf, catfish, or bread pudding.
Do you need a reservation at The Stave?
Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and reviews say the place can get busy even though staff often accommodates walk-ins when possible. Several guests mention little or no wait in the off-season, but a wait is common during peak times.
Is parking available at The Stave?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does The Stave have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Stave offers vegan options.
Is The Stave kid-friendly?
Yes, The Stave is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Stave in Frankfort
Why use AI food recommendations?
Skip the Menu
No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu
Explained Choices
Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended
Find things to do & top restaurants in any city