The Burgoo Stew From Elkhorn Tavern Might Be The Best Version Of This Iconic Kentucky Dish
By Sarah McCosham|Published January 26, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Burgoo is a Kentucky favorite; this stew is made with a tasty combination of pork, beef, chicken, corn, carrots, onion, celery, and lima beans. While Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn is known far and wide for its amazing burgoo stew, there’s another Bluegrass restaurant that might have this Owensboro BBQ behemoth beat. Elkhorn Tavern has a delicious version of this iconic dish that just might be the best burgoo in Kentucky.
Named after the Town Branch of the Elkhorn River that runs right past it, Elkhorn Tavern is a lounge and taproom located at Barrel House Distilling in Lexington, Kentucky.
Inside, you'll take a step back in time, with this Kentucky restaurant peak "old-fashioned tavern" vibes. Worn floors, low lighting, a wood-burning fireplace, and impressive taxidermy create a wholly memorable ambiance that sets the stage for a delicious dining experience.
While the restaurant is relatively new, the building in which Elkhorn Tavern is located is the original barreling house of the James E. Pepper Distillery, founded in 1780.
Elkhorn Tavern is known for fresh takes on regional fare and Kentucky classics, elevating humble dishes like country ham and soup beans to new heights. Specials like roast chicken and seafood gumbo often pepper the menu, too, providing soul-satisfying and comforting options for hungry patrons.
Burgoo is an incredibly nuanced and hearty dish that's been served in Kentucky distilleries since the early 1800s. Recipes vary on the combination of meats and produce; Elkhorn uses a trio of elk, rabbit, beef, and vegetables that combine to form something truly greater than the sum of their parts. Served with corn muffins or even Ritz crackers, there's nothing better on a chilly day in the Bluegrass.
Of course, if you're craving something lighter, the Distiller’s Board is big enough for two and features a little bit of everything, and a whole lot of deliciousness!
Have you tried the burgoo from Elkhorn Tavern before? This humble little spot makes an amazing Bluegrass burgoo, along with lots of other delicious Kentucky dishes!
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