The John G. Carlisle Cafe welcomes guests daily inside the historic Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse — just steps from the Visitor Center and at the heart of the most award– winning distillery.
Settle in for a made-to-order lunch featuring sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more, all served in a space where nearly a century of Buffalo Trace history surrounds you. Whether you’re winding down after a distillery tour, marking a special occasion, or simply craving a meal worth savoring, John G. Carlisle Cafe is your table at the heart of it all.
Open Daily 11 am – 3 pm
All guests will need to check-in at Freehouse Welcome Center prior to visiting the John G. Carlisle Cafe.
Customers generally enjoyed the food, noting it was fresh and tasty, although there were some complaints about specific items being cold or not prepared correctly.
Customer Service
Service quality was inconsistent; while some staff were praised for being friendly and helpful, others were reported as rude or indifferent.
Cleanliness
The restaurant was frequently described as clean, with positive remarks about the overall hygiene and condition of the facility.
Coupon Issues
Several customers expressed frustration over the refusal to accept coupons and issues with online orders, leading to dissatisfaction.
Operational Hours
There were complaints about unclear operational hours and being turned away before closing time.