The name might raise an eyebrow — a bourbon company as a family restaurant? But anyone who has actually been to Lily May Bourbon Company in downtown Bowling Green, KY knows that it’s so much more than its name suggests. I sat down with Chad, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, to talk about what makes this place a genuine destination for families with kids.

Italian Food at the Heart of It

When Chad and his wife were developing the menu for Lily May, they landed on Italian food for a simple reason: it’s the most universally loved cuisine there is. “People love pasta, people love pizza,” Chad told me. “So with the kids, families like to go out and eat, so we have to have a kids menu.”

The kids’ menu features spaghetti, alfredo, pizza, and garlic bread — and at $10 or under per item, it’s priced in a way that makes feeding a family of five actually feel manageable. Chad mentioned that they regularly run kids-eat-free promotions with the purchase of an adult meal, which they announce on social media.

A Laid-Back Environment with No Dress Code

One of the things Chad is most intentional about is making Lily May a place where families feel completely at ease. No dress code. No judging if the kids get a little loud. The environment is warm, relaxed, and genuinely welcoming to families at any noise level.

“We don’t want to be closed off to any clientele at all,” Chad said. “We want to be a very laid-back environment. The kids can come in and make as much noise as they want, pretty much.”

Private Events Right in the Restaurant

Tucked in the back of Lily May is a private event room that most people haven’t discovered yet. It seats up to 20 guests and can be configured with a buffet, a pasta bar, or individual menu ordering. Chad told me they’ve hosted birthday parties, anniversary dinners, work meetings, car clubs, and wine clubs back there — and yes, kids’ birthday parties too.

“We’ve had kids’ birthday parties here,” Chad said. “They brought in balloons, they hung up banners — and because they liked the spaghetti so much, one of the parties said they wanted to have it here. All the parents and grandparents were in here, and of course, they enjoyed it too.”

The Story Behind the Restaurant

Chad retired from the Army after 23 years at Fort Knox. He and his wife always loved to cook — Thanksgiving is their favorite — and after retiring, he eventually found his way to the bourbon business and the food that goes with it. They have four grown children and five grandchildren, including a set of twins born just recently.

“We’re very family focused, and we wanted this place to be open to that,” Chad said. “Because we picture ourselves with kids and grandkids, coming into a place that’s not just fast food.”

That values-driven approach is visible in everything from the menu prices to the private room availability to the kids-eat-free promotions.

Downtown Location with Unbeatable Access

Lily May is open Thursday through Saturday, which aligns intentionally with the major events at Skypac next door and at the Hotrods stadium nearby. Park once in the free parking garage, have dinner, catch a show or a game, and head home — all without moving your car.

For private events, Lily May can open any day of the week, including full buyouts with a custom buffet setup.

Lily May Bourbon Company is located in downtown Bowling Green, KY. Open Thursday–Saturday. Private events available any day of the week. Visit them at lilymaybourboncompany.com.

And if you’re looking to capture your family right here in Bowling Green — whether it’s a holiday session, a children’s portrait, or a special occasion worth preserving forever — Heritage Row Photography is right here in the community with you. Reach out anytime.

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