THE RIVER HOUSE

The River House Food Menu

The River House's menu is crafted to echo the same laid-back and relaxing vibes of the Kentucky River with options like:

• Hot and Cold Sandwiches. Made-to-order sandwiches for a quick bite between tours or a full afternoon on the water.
• Pretzels with Beer Cheese and Mustard. A crowd favorite at The River House and one of the most shareable things on the menu, especially alongside a cold local beer.
• Charcuterie Boards. Frankfort visitors keep requesting our boards. The River House delivers curated boards of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments that pair naturally with a glass of wine or a straight pour of bourbon.
• Milkshakes and Floats. House-made milkshakes and classic floats. Don't skip these.
• Cookies. Choose an order of 3 smaller cookies or an oversized 8” party cookie that feeds four. Worth ordering even when it's not your birthday.

The River House Craft Cocktail Bar

As the craft cocktail bar in Frankfort, KY, closest to the water, The River House takes the drink program seriously. After all, Kentucky is bourbon country. You can order a handmade cocktail built to order, sit back, and watch the river.

Current bar offerings include:

• Handmade Cocktails. House originals and classics made with fresh ingredients and Kentucky spirits.
• Straight Pours of Bourbon. A curated selection of Kentucky whiskeys and bourbons available by the glass.
• Local Beer. Draft and canned selections from Kentucky craft breweries and national classics.
• Wine. Red, white, and rosé options by the glass from Copa Vino.

The River House and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

Kentucky River Tours is an official sponsor of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, and The River House sits at the natural intersection of the river experience and bourbon culture that makes Frankfort one of the most visited stops on the Bourbon Trail™. Buffalo Trace Distillery is just minutes away, and several other tours and tastings are within easy reach of 101 Riverboat Landing.

If you're planning a Bourbon Trail™ trip, The River House makes for an ideal stop between distillery visits.

Plan Your Visit to The River House

The River House is located at 101 Riverboat Landing, Frankfort, KY 40601. We're open every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays, May through October. The River House is closed from November through April, so plan your visit during the season while the river is at its best.

Parking is available on-site. The River House welcomes walk-ins, but seating fills quickly on weekends and during peak Bourbon Trail™ season, so arriving earlier in the afternoon gives you the best choice of seating.

Where to Eat by the Water in Frankfort

Visitors keep asking, "What’s the best place to eat by the water in Frankfort?" and The River House is the answer every time. It's the only restaurant in downtown Frankfort that is literally floating on the river. You can get any closer than that! The Kentucky River moves right underneath you as you eat.

The River House draws from classic riverside fare: hot and cold sandwiches, milkshakes and floats, pretzels with beer cheese and mustard, and charcuterie boards built to share. Every item was designed to pair with a handmade cocktail and a laid-back afternoon.

Seating runs from picnic tables to comfortable chairs to inflatable couches in the lounge area, so whether you want to sit and stay awhile or settle in for the evening, there's a spot for you.

Extend Your Trip: Overnight Stays Near The River House

If one afternoon at The River House isn't enough, Kentucky River Tours offers two overnight lodging options just steps away from the water. The Old Fashioned Stave Away is a bourbon-themed VRBO perfect for groups visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, and the Creekside Cottage sits directly on the Elkhorn Creek for a quieter, more private retreat. Both are available through our overnight stays page and can be booked directly through VRBO.

Visit The River House in Frankfort, KY

Stop in, pull up a chair, and stay awhile at 101 Riverboat Landing, Frankfort, KY 40601. For questions about private events, group visits, or tour bookings, contact us to reach a team member. We welcome Kentucky residents, Bourbon Trail® travelers, and anyone looking for a great place to spend an afternoon by the water.