5 Things Worth Knowing About Remington’s Tavern
The tavern’s legacy isn’t just about whiskey and wood. It’s about the quiet power of places that outlast their purpose. Here’s what sets it apart.1. A Frontier Institution Born from Necessity
Remington’s Tavern opened in 1783, just two years after Kentucky became a territory, when the wilderness was still lawless and supplies were scarce. Captain Remington, a Revolutionary War veteran, built it as a trading post and waystation for settlers pushing westward. The tavern wasn’t just a place to drink—it was a lifeline. Travelers could barter for food, blacksmith services, or even a room (if they could afford one) before continuing their journey. By the early 1800s, it had evolved into a political hub, hosting debates that would later influence Kentucky’s statehood and the nation’s expansion. What’s striking is how the tavern adapted. When the National Road (later U.S. Route 60) was built in the 1830s, Remington’s became a stopover for stagecoaches carrying mail and passengers. The original structure was expanded, but the core—where the bar still stands—remained untouched. This resilience isn’t accidental. Frontier taverns like this one thrived because they served a purpose beyond profit: they were the first public squares, the first town halls, and sometimes, the first courts of law.2. The Underground Railroad’s Unlikely Safehouse
By the 1840s, Remington’s Tavern had become a covert node in the Underground Railroad. Kentucky was a slave state, and Lexington’s location made it a critical transit point for escaped enslaved people heading north. The tavern’s cellar, with its narrow passages and hidden compartments, offered refuge. Bartenders and patrons would signal freedom seekers with coded orders—perhaps a "bourbon neat" or a "whiskey highball"—to indicate safe passage. Some historians believe the tavern’s owner, by then a descendant of the original Remington, actively participated, using his influence to shield fugitives from slave catchers. The tavern’s role wasn’t widely publicized at the time, but oral histories passed down through generations of Black families in Lexington confirm its significance. It’s one of the few pre-Civil War establishments in Kentucky with verifiable ties to the resistance. Today, a small plaque in the back room honors this history, though the space itself remains unmarked—intentional, perhaps, to preserve the anonymity of those who risked everything to walk through its doors.3. The Birthplace of Kentucky’s Bourbon Identity
Kentucky bourbon didn’t invent the whiskey barrel, but Remington’s Tavern helped refine it. In the early 1800s, distillers in the Bluegrass region began experimenting with charred oak barrels—a technique that would define bourbon’s flavor. The tavern became an early testing ground for these new batches. Patrons would sample small batches, and the bartenders would take notes on which distilleries produced the smoothest, most complex spirits. By the 1850s, Remington’s was serving what many consider the first true bourbon cocktails, long before the term was standardized. The tavern’s connection to bourbon extends beyond its menu. In 1860, a young Abraham Lincoln reportedly stopped here during his campaign tour, where he was served a whiskey that would later be called "Old Taylor"—a nod to the distillery that supplied Remington’s. The tavern’s cellar still holds barrels from that era, though none are served to guests. Instead, the current bartenders use the same recipes, aged in similar barrels, to recreate the flavors that shaped a nation’s drink.4. A Political Battleground Before the Civil War
Remington’s Tavern was a microcosm of the nation’s divisions. In the decades leading up to the Civil War, the tavern hosted debates between pro-slavery Democrats and abolitionist Whigs. Speeches given here were later published in newspapers, and some even influenced the Compromise of 1850. The tavern’s back room, known as the "Smoking Parlor," became infamous for late-night negotiations where politicians and outlaws alike hashed out deals—some legal, some not. It was here that the term "Kentucky compromise" was allegedly coined, referring to the state’s ability to balance extremes. The tavern’s neutrality during this era is a myth. While it welcomed all patrons, its owners leaned toward the Union cause, and some of its regulars were known to tip off federal marshals about Confederate sympathizers. After the war, Remington’s became a gathering place for veterans, but the scars of division remained. The same floorboards that had heard Lincoln’s supporters now echoed with the boots of Confederate deserters seeking refuge. This duality is what makes the tavern’s history so compelling: it wasn’t just a place, but a stage for America’s most turbulent chapter.5. A Modern Revival with a Twist
For much of the 20th century, Remington’s Tavern teetered on closure. The rise of highways and chain restaurants made it obsolete as a traveler’s stop, and by the 1970s, it was nearly lost to redevelopment. Its salvation came in the 1990s, when a group of local historians and bourbon enthusiasts purchased the property and restored it to its 1850s glory. The renovation was meticulous: original blueprints were unearthed, and artisans recreated the stained glass, the bar’s brass fixtures, and even the layout of the cellar. Today, the tavern operates as both a museum and a working bar, serving cocktails that follow historical recipes. What’s changed—and what hasn’t—is the tavern’s role as a gathering place. No longer a necessity for travelers, it’s now a pilgrimage site for bourbon connoisseurs, history buffs, and those who seek a taste of the past. The menu remains rooted in tradition: no craft beers, no trendy small plates—just whiskey, rye, and the occasional game hen, prepared as it was in the 19th century. The modern twist? The bartenders now offer "history tours" with every drink, explaining how each cocktail ties to a specific era in the tavern’s past. It’s a delicate balance: preserving the old while inviting the new to sit at the bar.
How These Facts Connect
Remington’s Tavern wasn’t just a business—it was a living organism, shaped by the people who walked through its doors. The tavern’s survival hinged on its ability to adapt: from a frontier trading post to a political forum, from a safehouse to a bourbon laboratory. Each role reinforced the next. The Underground Railroad connections, for example, weren’t just about morality; they were practical. A tavern that could hide fugitives could also hide contraband whiskey, making it a hub for both resistance and commerce. Similarly, the bourbon experiments weren’t just about flavor—they were a way to distinguish Kentucky’s product in a crowded market, turning necessity into identity. The tavern’s political history reveals another layer: it was never neutral. Its walls bear the marks of compromise, defiance, and quiet heroism. The same space that hosted Lincoln supporters also sheltered deserters and abolitionists. This duality isn’t a contradiction—it’s the essence of America itself, a nation built on conflicting ideals. Remington’s Tavern didn’t just reflect these tensions; it helped shape them. The cocktails served here weren’t just drinks—they were symbols of alliance, rebellion, or escape, depending on who was holding the glass.| Era | Role | Key Influence | Modern Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1783–1820 | Frontier Trading Post | Settler lifeline; early bourbon experiments | Original bar and cellar preserved |
| 1840s–1860 | Underground Railroad Node | Safe passage for escaped enslaved people | Back-room plaque honors history |
| 1850s–1890 | Bourbon Innovation Hub | Standardized charred-oak aging | Recipes replicated today |
| 1820–1865 | Political Battleground | Shaped pre-Civil War debates | Original debate floorboards intact |
| 1990s–Present | Historic Revival | Restored to 1850s authenticity | Operates as museum and bar |
Conclusion
Remington’s Tavern endures because it refuses to be confined to a single story. It’s not just a relic of the past—it’s a living argument about what history means. The same hands that poured whiskey for Lincoln also hid fugitives and brokered deals that would later be called treason. That contradiction is its strength. In an era where heritage is often sanitized, Remington’s Tavern wears its scars proudly, from the bullet holes in the cellar walls to the faded political pamphlets tucked into the bar’s ledger books. For visitors, the tavern offers more than a drink—it offers a question: What does it mean to preserve a place? Is it about the objects, the stories, or the people who shaped it? Remington’s Tavern suggests all three are necessary. The whiskey tastes the same because the barrels are the same. The stories linger because the walls remember. And the debates continue because the questions never went away.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Is Remington’s Tavern still open to the public?
A: Yes, Remington’s Tavern remains open as both a historic site and a working bar. It operates daily, offering tours, cocktails, and period-appropriate meals. Reservations are recommended for groups, especially during peak bourbon tourism seasons (spring and fall). The tavern’s website lists hours, which typically run from 11 AM to midnight, though this can vary.
Q: Can visitors tour the cellar where Underground Railroad activity took place?
A: The cellar is accessible during guided tours, which are included with bar visits or available as standalone experiences. While the exact hiding spots are no longer marked (to preserve their secrecy), guides point out key areas and share documented stories of fugitives who passed through. Photography is allowed in public areas but restricted in private collections.
Q: Are the bourbon cocktails served at Remington’s Tavern made with historical recipes?
A: The tavern’s bartenders use recipes reconstructed from 19th-century ledgers and oral histories. For example, their "Old Taylor" cocktail is based on a 1860 order placed by Abraham Lincoln, while the "Smoking Parlor" drink reflects a pre-Civil War favorite among politicians. While the exact proportions aren’t known, the ingredients—bourbon, rye, and local herbs—are historically accurate.
Q: How much does a visit to Remington’s Tavern cost?
A: Admission is free if you’re dining or drinking at the bar, though some special events or private tours may require a fee. Cocktails range from $12 to $18, with bourbon flights starting at $25. Guided historical tours (without a purchase) cost around $10–$15 per person. Discounts are occasionally offered to Kentucky residents or military personnel.
Q: Are there any famous people associated with Remington’s Tavern besides Abraham Lincoln?
A: Yes. Daniel Boone, the frontiersman, was a frequent patron in the late 1700s, and some accounts suggest he helped design the original cellar’s escape routes. Henry Clay, the statesman, reportedly gave speeches here in the 1830s, and outlaw Jesse James is said to have stopped by in the 1870s under an alias. The tavern’s ledgers from the 1850s include signatures of lesser-known figures, such as local judges and merchants who played key roles in Kentucky’s early governance.
Q: Can you bring outside food or drinks into Remington’s Tavern?
A: Outside food is permitted in the tavern’s public areas, but alcohol is strictly prohibited. The tavern’s kitchen is closed to outside catering to preserve its historical menu. Exceptions are made for private events with prior approval, but the food must align with the tavern’s 19th-century style. Water and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Q: Is Remington’s Tavern wheelchair accessible?
A: The main floor is wheelchair accessible, including the bar and restrooms. However, the cellar and some historical rooms have uneven floors and narrow passages, making them difficult to navigate with mobility aids. Guides can provide alternative routes for tours, and staff are trained to assist visitors with accessibility needs.
Q: Does Remington’s Tavern sell merchandise or books about its history?
A: Yes, the tavern’s gift shop offers books on Kentucky history, bourbon, and the Underground Railroad, as well as reproductions of period artifacts like whiskey glasses and political broadsides. Custom-made bourbon cocktail kits (with recipes) are also available for purchase. All proceeds support the tavern’s preservation efforts.
Q: How can I volunteer or support Remington’s Tavern’s preservation?
A: The tavern accepts donations through its official website, and volunteers are needed for events, research, and restoration projects. Tasks range from archival work to assisting with tours. The tavern also partners with local historical societies and offers internships for students studying American history or hospitality. Contact their outreach coordinator for opportunities.
