John G. Carlisle Cafe
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.
Visit Us
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
Walk-Ins Welcome
All guests will need to check-in at Freehouse Welcome Center prior to visiting the John G. Carlisle Cafe. We appreciate your patience as we perfect the experience over the opening month.
To mark the opening of the John G. Carlisle Cafe, Buffalo Trace Distillery is rolling out something special every single day May 11-31. No special reservations required.
Mondays — Free Meal Monday
May 11, 18, 25
The first 100 guests eat free.* Kick off the week with Free Meal Mondays, complimentary for the first 100 guests (meal vouchers provided upon check-in).
*Giveaways and limited offers are first come, first served. Vouchers are distributed each morning while supplies last at Freehouse Welcome Center.
Tuesdays — From the Archives
May 12, 19, 26, Noon to 2pm
Explore Buffalo Trace Distillery history with From the Archives – an open house event from noon–2pm with Lead Archivist Nick Laracuente, featuring John G. Carlisle Cafe historical highlights and a curated archives display on the second floor of the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse.
Wednesdays — Whiskey Wednesdays
May 13, 20, 27 All day
Enjoy Whiskey Wednesdays with complimentary samples of a new, soon-to-be-announced release served all day. Bottles will also be available for purchase in the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop (limited quantities available).
Thursdays — Meet the Masters
May 14, 21, 28 11am-Noon
Connect with the Distillery’s craftsmen through Meet the Masters – a limited, one hour meet and greet opportunity happening inside the John G. Carlisle Cafe.
Fridays — Freddie’s Friday
May 15, 22, 29 All Day (Freddie appearances take place 2pm-3pm)
Savor Freddie Fridays featuring complimentary Freddie’s Old-Fashioned Soda products available in the John G. Carlisle Cafe, plus special appearances by Global Brand Ambassador Freddie Johnson between 2 and 3pm.
Saturdays — Sippin’ Saturday
May 16, 23, 29 Noon – 2pm
Experience Sippin’ Saturday featuring seasonal, limited-time cocktails in the Carlisle Cafe from noon-2pm, plus a Buffalo Trace Bourbon-infused Rebecca Ruth’s chocolate pairing.
Sunday — Grain & Glass
May 17, 24, 31 11am-Noon
Delight in Grain & Glass featuring complimentary breakfast bites from 11am-noon, including complimentary tastings of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain.
All events take place at Buffalo Trace Distillery. No reservations required to participate in Daily Delights. Limited giveaways are distributed via voucher on a first come, first served basis each morning. Must be 21+ to participate in tastings.
Mallory O’Meara — Mother’s Day Weekend
Join us Mother’s Day Weekend at Buffalo Trace Distillery to celebrate the “Mothers of Whiskey” with Mallory O’Meara, award winning author of “Girly Drinks: A World History of Women and Alcohol”. Her book tells the untold history of the female distillers, drinkers, and brewers who played pivotal roles in the creation of alcohol. Nick Laracuente, our resident bourbon archeologist, and Melissa Warren, Melissa Warren, Sr. Product Development Manager on the R&D team, will sit down with Mallory to explore the vital role women have played in shaping the spirits industry. All ticket holders receive a complimentary, signed copy of Mallory’s book, “Girly Drinks”, and a welcome cocktail.
The Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse has been a gathering place since 1935, and has been used for meals, milestones, and community on the distillery grounds. Over the decades, its lower level has served as an employee cafeteria, an event venue, breakroom and more. Today, it’s home to the John G. Carlisle Cafe.
Much of what you see is original to the building: the handsome woodwork, the fireplace that anchors the room, and the floors that have welcomed generations of distillery workers and guests alike. Look around and you’ll find artifacts and archival pieces from Buffalo Trace’s storied history on display throughout. Honor Tradition, Embrace Change.