The Stave Menu (Update 2025)
The Stave in Frankfort, KY, is a unique blend of distillery and cocktail bar set in a Southern atmosphere. With a diverse menu and an extensive drink selection, this restaurant offers an excellent dining experience. Customers rave about the cheese grits, burgoo, and bread pudding, highlighting the delicious food options available. The friendly staff and attentive service add to the overall ambiance, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and travelers. The restaurant's bourbon selection is impressive, offering flights for those looking to explore different varieties. The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying warm weather and the varied mixed drink menu provides something for everyone. The Stave is a hidden gem off the main drag, worth the excursion for its excellent food, drinks, and inviting atmosphere.
Small Plates
Boiler Maker Beer Cheese
House beer cheese made with bourbon and local beer. Served with seasonal vegetables & crackers
Black Eyed Pea Fritters
With sweet onion relish and cucumber salad
Pimento Cheese Grit Bites
Portions of pimento cheese grits, deep fried and served with pepper jelly
Hot Brown Fries
Hand cut fries topped with Mornay sauce, diced smoked turkey, crispy bacon & diced tomato
Cast Iron Cornbread
Served with butter & pepper jelly
Pickle-Brined Hot Chicken
Pickle-brined, buttermilk fried chicken with spicy cajun seasoning. Served with fried banana peppers & creamy herb sauce
Country Ham Biscuits
Four mini country ham biscuits, served with apple butter, Willett bourbon-sorghum whole grain mustard, and caramelized onion relish
Deviled Eggs
Stone Fan Farm deviled eggs dusted with bourbon barrel-smoked paprika. Served with bread & butter-pickled greens
Snack Board
Pimento cheese, benedictine, bourbon barrel beer cheese, country ham, chow chow, deviled eggs, spiced candied walnuts, pepper jelly, corn bread, crackers
Burgoo & Cornbread
A traditional Kentucky stew made with chicken, pork, beef, and vegetables. Served with cast iron cornbread
Soup Beans & Cornbread
Vegan without cornbread
Soups
Salads
Hoppin' John
Local greens, Hoppin' John, roasted local squash, FoodChain micro greens, smoked miso-mustard vinaigrette
Ancient Grain Salad Bowl
Quinoa, millet, barley, pomegranate, dried cranberry, roasted shaved mushrooms & brussels sprouts, shaved red onion, radishes, roasted squash, FoodChain micro greens, smoked miso-mustard
Bourbon Bibb
Local greens, candied spiced walnuts, shaved red onion, apples, cornbread croutons, bourbon-sorghum vinaigrette (Vegan without cornbread croutons)
Country Ham & Egg
Local greens, crispy country ham, soft-boiled Stone Fall Farm egg, cornbread croutons, heirloom tomato, caramelized onion vinaigrette
Pimento Grilled Cheese
House pimento cheese, crispy fried green tomato, pickle, & onion on sourdough
Kentucky Beef Burge
/ lb. local beef, lettuce, pickle, tomato, onion, & Duke's Mayo on potato bun
Pickle-Brined Hot Chicken
Pickle-brined, buttermilk fried chicken with spicy cajun seasoning, with lettuce, pickles, and Duke's Mayo on a potato bun
Sandwiches
Entrees
Fried Chicken Plate
Buttermilk fried half chicken with mashed potatoes & gravy, braised greens and house-made biscuits drizzled with local honey
The Stave Hot Brown
Our unique twist on the traditional Hot Brown! An open-faced sandwich on country ham spoon bread, with sliced turkey breast, Mornay sauce, crispy bacon & tomato
Blackened Catfish & Grits
Seared Lake Barkley catfish served over Weisenberger Mill cheese grits with creole sauce and braised greens
Fried Catfish Plate
Two Lake Barkley catfish fillets fried in seasoned Weisenberger Mill flour. Served with french fries cornbread, and choice of side
Chicken & Dumplings
Stewed chicken, vegetables, herbs and fluffy dumplings in rich chicken stock
Cornbread Salad
Hand Cut Fries
House Salad
Cheese Grits
Hoppin' John
Potato Salad
House Kettle Chips
Sides
Desserts
Bread Pudding
Reminiscent of a traditional Kentucky pie, with chocolate, walnuts, and bourbon sauce
Seasonal Pie
See specials board for seasonal pie selection
Ale--One
Ginger ale locally produced in Winchester, KY