Boone Tavern Unveils “Crafted”: A reimagined dining room and bar, honoring heritage, embracing modernity
July 17, 2025
BEREA, Ky. – The Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant, a beloved landmark on Berea College’s campus since 1909, is celebrating the grand reopening of its signature dining room, now rebranded “Crafted at Boone Tavern.”
The name “Crafted” marries the concept of new, often locally sourced menu items – including bar food items – while giving a nod to both the furnishings and decorations in the dining room, the majority of which were handmade by Berea College Student Craft.
The new space fuses the storied charm of Boone Tavern with a fresh, contemporary design – complete with a full-service bar and a private dining room. From the original historic herringbone wood floor to new tables made by Student Craft, guests will experience a beautiful blend of both historic and modern touches.
“Crafted at Boone Tavern is more than a restaurant – it’s a celebration of Berea’s rich heritage and innovative spirit,” said Todd Lentz, director of operations at Olympia Hospitality, which manages Boone Tavern. “From farm-fresh ingredients sourced directly from the Berea College Farm to handcrafted décor and furniture created by Berea College students, every detail reflects our deep commitment to local food, craftsmanship and student innovation. It’s a place where tradition meets creativity – and every meal tells a story.”
Other highlights of Crafted include:
Menu
In addition to the classic Boone Tavern hot brown and complementary made-to-order spoonbread, a variety of new menu items have been curated to reflect Berea’s culture and scenery.
Crafted Chef Kyle Klatka is committed to using produce and meats sourced from the Berea College Farm and other surrounding farms, allowing Crafted to be a true farm-to-table experience.
“Boone Tavern has a legacy of being a premiere location for cuisine,” Klatka said . “My intention with the new menu is to showcase dishes in a modern way. People come to Kentucky for Kentucky food, so we want them to see Appalachia meets southern comfort food.
“I want people to walk away from the restaurant thinking ‘that’s how Kentucky food is done,’” Klatka added.
New menu items include Berea College Farm-raised ribs, pretzel-crusted Kentucky trout and, for vegetarians, a dish featuring locally grown mushrooms and grits.
About the Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant
Owned by Berea College and operated by Olympia Hotel Management, Boone Tavern was built in 1909 in Colonial Revival style.
Named after the early Kentucky explorer, Daniel Boone, it was designed by architect J. C. Cady. The venerable property is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel has welcomed a long line of celebrated guests, from President Calvin Coolidge and automaker Henry Ford to the Dalai Lama, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and poet Maya Angelou.
Join Us at Crafted
Dining hours for Crafted are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Reservations are recommended for the Crafted dining room and can be made online via Open Table or by phone at 859-985-3707 or 859-985-3700.
With the addition of the bar, Crafted now offers food and drink options outside of traditional mealtimes, allowing customers to visit anytime for a midday snack, afternoon cocktail or late-night bite.
For more information, visit https://boonetavernhotel.com/dining-events/boone-tavern-restaurant