FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that five new restaurants have been added to the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide, a resource that helps Kentuckians and travelers to explore local restaurants and historic destinations across the commonwealth.
“Kentucky’s culinary scene is one of the many attractions that have allowed us to secure four straight years of record-breaking tourism,” said Gov. Beshear. “I encourage everyone to explore the guide and enjoy our unique dining experiences.”
The guide was unveiled in May, featuring 18 restaurants. The new restaurants include:
- Limewater, Frankfort – Located in the historic Glen Willis house, Limewater is a brick home built in 1815 on the banks of the Kentucky River. The National Register of Historic Places listed Glen Willis in 1972. Limewater is a family-owned and operated restaurant that opened in 2022.
- Crafted at Boone Tavern, Berea – Built in 1909 as a guest house for Berea College, Boone Tavern has been a Berea landmark for more than a century. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and continues its long tradition of hospitality and dining in the heart of downtown Berea.
- The Trustees’ Table at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg – Located within Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, The Trustees’ Table offers seasonal Kentucky dishes and ingredients from their garden and local farmers. Shaker Village is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, providing a distinctive historic setting for the dining experience.
- Tousey House Tavern, Burlington – The Tousey House Tavern occupies a historic Federal-style house in Burlington that dates to 1822. The property is part of the Burlington Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout its history, the building has served as a home, tavern, hotel, boarding house, store and restaurant.
- Dudley’s on Short, Lexington – Dudley’s on Short has been a Lexington dining tradition since 1981. The restaurant moved to its current location in the historic Northern Bank Building on West Short Street in 2010. Built in 1889, the building is part of Lexington’s historic downtown and retains its connection to the city’s long history of commerce and dining.
The five new additions bring even more opportunities to experience Kentucky history through food, architecture and hospitality.
“We are delighted to be included in the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide,” said Kristen Flick, Shaker Village vice president of hospitality. “Steeped in tradition, The Trustees’ Table at Shaker Village has been ‘making you kindly welcome’ since 1968. Today, our culinary and farm teams partner to bring the freshest food to your plate straight from the Shaker Garden. Our menu highlights seasonal produce and changes daily, allowing for a unique dining experience each time you pull up a chair at our table.”
“It is such an honor to have Tousey House Tavern included in the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide,” shared Meggie Wainscott Martin, director of operations. “For our family, preservation has always meant more than maintaining a historic building. It is about honoring the people who came before us and ensuring their stories continue to be part of our community for generations to come.
“We are especially grateful to those who paved the way for historic preservation in Boone County, including the late Judge Bruce Ferguson, whose legacy and dedication helped shape the preservation efforts we benefit from today. Through my involvement with the Historical Societies and the Boone County Historic Preservation Review Board, I’ve gained an even deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting these irreplaceable pieces of our history.
“We are proud to be stewards of the historic Tousey House and grateful for the opportunity to carry its story forward while continuing to welcome guests through our doors.”
“Great food and historic places have a way of telling a story together,” said Craig Potts, Kentucky Heritage Council executive director and state historic preservation officer. “These restaurants give people another reason to explore Kentucky’s historic places while supporting locally owned businesses and the communities they call home.”
The Kentucky Historic Dining Guide is available on the Kentucky Tourism website.
The Kentucky Heritage Council plans to continue adding five restaurants to the guide twice a year, in October and May. To be considered, a restaurant’s location must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, retain its historic character and have been in business for a minimum of 18 months.
For more information about the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide or the Kentucky Heritage Council, visit heritage.ky.gov.