If you want to understand Florence, Kentucky’s dining scene, start with the bar that locals treat like a second living room.
The 859 Taproom and Grill has become a go-to spot for burgers, bourbon, and game-day energy in Northern Kentucky. It is not trying to be fancy, and that is exactly the point.
This is how a rebranded neighborhood sports bar became one of the area’s most beloved burger destinations. 🍺
How 859 Taproom won Florence’s hearts
Owners Jeff and Mandy Kaplan took over the space in 2021 after decades of restaurant industry experience, with Jeff spending over 20 years as an executive chef before finally chasing his own dream.
That fine dining background shows up on the menu, elevating simple bar food into something locals genuinely crave.
The couple leaned hard into their Northern Kentucky roots, sourcing ingredients from nearby producers like Whobrey Farms and Neely Family Distillery to give the independently-owned restaurant its own regional identity.
In a genuinely unique twist, the Wagyu beef used in several burgers comes from cattle fed spent grain from the distillery itself, connecting the food and drink menus in a way few Florence restaurants can match.
The restaurant has become a favorite for birthdays, family dinners, and sports-watching alike, whether that means catching a Bengals game or cheering on Kentucky basketball with a beer in hand.
With over 150 bourbons on the wall and one of the largest craft beer selections in Greater Cincinnati, 859 Taproom gives regulars plenty of reasons to keep their Florence KY dining loyalty local. 🏈🥃
That combination of juicy burgers, community energy, and a genuinely personal touch from the owners is exactly why 859 Taproom became a Northern Kentucky institution rather than just another bar and grill off Bankers Street.
Food Highlights
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859 Bourbon Burger: Wagyu beef topped with applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, fresh cut toppings, onion tanglers, and a drizzle of house-made 859 Bourbon Glaze. 🥓🥃
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Wildcat Blue: Blackened seasoning meets blue cheese crumbles and fresh-cut toppings on this bold, tangy gourmet burger option.
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Rise and Shine Burger: Applewood smoked bacon, a fried egg, cheddar cheese, and house-made poblano sauce served over Texas Toast for a breakfast-inspired twist.
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Da Bull Burger: A hearty Wagyu patty piled with pepper jack cheese, applewood smoked bacon, crispy onion straws, and a fried egg. 🍳🐂
- Y’all Cheddar Burger: A straightforward Wagyu classic topped with cheddar cheese and fresh-cut toppings, perfect for burger purists.
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Bacon Pimento Burger: A Wagyu patty loaded with pimento cheese, applewood smoked bacon, crispy onion straws, and southwest ranch.
- BBQ Bacon Burger: A smoky Wagyu classic topped with cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, crispy onion straws, and a generous drizzle of house BBQ sauce. 🍖
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Southwest Hot!!!! Burger: Pepper jack cheese, jalapeño, southwest ranch, and onion tanglers. 🌶️
Atmosphere
859 Taproom feels like a true neighborhood sports bar, with a wall of over 150 bourbons and one of the region’s largest craft beer selections setting the tone.
Locals gather here for Bengals games, Kentucky basketball, birthdays, and casual family dinners alike.
The vibe stays lively without feeling chaotic, thanks to a menu that blends elevated comfort food with genuine hospitality. It is the kind of Florence restaurant where regulars know the staff by name. 🏀🍺
Bottom Line
859 Taproom earns its local following through Wagyu beef burgers, a massive bourbon and craft beer selection, family ownership, and a genuinely community-driven atmosphere. Add locally sourced ingredients and game-day energy, and it is easy to see why Florence keeps showing up. 🍔
Address:
8720 Bankers St, Florence, KY 41042
📞 (859) 534-2802
🕔 Tues–Thurs 4 PM–10 PM, Fri & Sat 11 AM–11 PM, Sun 11 AM–9 PM (closed Mon)