About Us

Bourbons Bistro has been flying the bourbon flag on Frankfort Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky since 2005—well before “Bourbonism” became a buzzword and long before bourbon tourism was in full swing. As a bourbon bar and restaurant dedicated to Kentucky bourbon, it was ahead of the curve from the start.

Founders Jason Brauner and John Morrison came up with the idea the best way possible: sitting around, sipping bourbon, and wondering why Kentucky’s signature spirit wasn’t getting the spotlight it deserved. Somewhere between pours, the concept took shape on a cocktail napkin—and a bold idea was born.

At the time, building an entire restaurant around bourbon felt like a bit of a gamble. Outside of hotel bars, no one was really doing it. But with roughly 95% of the world’s bourbon made right here in Kentucky, they saw an opportunity to showcase Kentucky bourbon in a way that was approachable, educational, and (most importantly) enjoyable. Bourbons Bistro quickly became a place where you could enjoy a great meal and actually learn something about bourbon—without feeling like you’re in a classroom.

Guests come to Bourbons Bistro for bourbon flights, curated tastings, and a menu designed to pair with whiskey. The setting only adds to the story. Housed in a historic 1880s building on Frankfort Avenue, Bourbons Bistro fits right in with the neighborhood’s independent spirit and tight-knit community of locally owned businesses. Over the years, the area has grown alongside the restaurant, built on a culture of collaboration—neighbors helping neighbors, sharing resources, and showing up for one another.

More than 20 years in, Bourbons Bistro has seen its share of challenges—from industry shifts to economic downturns. But one thing hasn’t changed: they keep showing up. A dedicated team, many of whom have been there for years, continues to create an environment that’s welcoming, knowledgeable, and refreshingly unpretentious. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just figuring out what you like, the philosophy remains the same: no wrong answers, just good guidance when it comes to bourbon.

That approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. Bourbons Bistro has been named one of America’s Best Bourbon Bars by The Bourbon Review (more than once, but who’s counting), earned Bar of the Year (USA) from Whisky Magazine, and in 2023 took home Global Bar of the Year from Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Awards (yes, as in the world). They’re also proud to be an official partner of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail—which feels like a pretty natural fit.

Looking ahead, Bourbons Bistro plans to keep doing what it’s always done: supporting the bourbon industry, sharing its history, and serving as a place where people can gather, learn about bourbon, and raise a glass. The industry may continue to evolve, but the mission stays the same. And we’re more than happy to keep riding that wave.