Proof On Main

American restaurant · West Main

Proof On Main

American restaurant · West Main

3

702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

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Highlights

Southern fare & contemporary art in an airy hotel eatery  

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702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 Get directions

proofonmain.com
@proofonmain

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 Get directions

+1 502 217 6360
proofonmain.com
@proofonmain

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 18, 2025

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@eater

The 26 Essential Louisville Restaurants

"Set inside the 21C Museum Hotel, Proof on Main matches an intriguing menu with equally interesting decor. Contemporary wall hangings, paintings, and sculptures overflow from exhibits put on by the hotel. Try to stop gawking long enough to try the charred octopus with bagna cauda, lime, and toast, which has been a staple since day one. And finish off any meal with the Kentucky Stack Cake, a rich dessert crafted with lemon buttercream, almond, and buttermilk whip. The most popular picks from the drinks menu are the bourbon-based cocktails, like the No Spectators, which includes Old Forester 86 bourbon, sfumato, grapefruit rosemary cordial, lemon juice, and a spritz of a peaty scotch." - Lennie Omalza

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-louisville-kentucky
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@eater

Where to Order Manhattans in Louisville This February | Eater

"Set inside the 21C Museum Hotel, Proof on Main features both an intriguing menu and interesting decor. The spot’s most popular cocktail picks boast bourbon — and the restaurant’s Manhattan, dubbed Turini Pass, is no different. Crafted to be the perfect fireside companion, it blends Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Barrles, a juniper-forward alpine liqueur, pine-smoked black-tea infused amer, a vermouth blend, bitters, and a palo santo tincture. Proof on Main will also be offering three additional Angel’s Envy Manhattans to commemorate the celebration." - Vox Creative

https://www.eater.com/ad/maps/where-to-order-manhattans-in-louisville-this-february
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@travelleisure

7 Underrated Girls Trips Around the World

"Start off with a tasty brunch at Proof on Main before embarking on a steamboat ride down the Ohio River for breathtaking views of the city from the water." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/underrated-girls-trips-7564000
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TG Fitch (VA Renaissance Man)

Google
Awesome stop for a custom whiskey flight. I hit the jackpot with expert bartender CC, who took my request for a custom whiskey flight as a challenge and knocked it out of the park with three choices setup in the perfect order. She knew the story behind each one and quickly looked up some additional details on her phone when she wasn't sure. The bar is clean and spacious and full of light. Whiskies are arranged by family for easy identification. She described a "Black Manhattan" that sounded delicious, but I'll have to try that next time. Proof on Main makes the perfect place to treat your taste buds while waiting for a distillery tour. Slainte!

April Gardiner (Nacho-Kat)

Google
Proof on Main came highly recommended by locals, and as travelers seeking a fine dining experience in Louisville, we were intrigued. The venue itself is undeniably unique, with a captivating red and Native American-inspired decor, creating a cool, low-lit ambiance. Our server was prompt and helpful, guiding us towards some fantastic appetizers. The beef tartare? Absolutely phenomenal – hands down the best I've ever had. Similarly, the Brussels sprouts were a revelation. I wish I had just ordered a few more appetizers and sides. For my main, I opted for the roasted chicken. While it was good, it didn't quite reach the heights of the appetizers. Compared to other fine dining chicken dishes I've had, it was a bit underwhelming. The red Cabernet selection was limited (only two options), but the white wine list seemed more extensive. A quirky highlight was the restaurant's connection to the hotel. A walk to the restrooms took us through a mini-museum of eclectic art, and even the bathroom mirrors featured a digital eye display – a truly unforgettable touch! Overall, our group was very pleased with the experience. If we return, we'll definitely focus on the appetizers and sides, as they were the true stars of the meal. Proof on Main offers a unique and memorable dining experience, just stick to the small plates!

Peach Fuzz

Google
We were thrilled with our experience at Proof on Main. Our server was absolutely delightful, and we greatly enjoyed the thought-provoking art both in the restaurant and in the attached gallery. We had the mussels and the starter with mini martinis which were both delightful.

Jim C

Google
The service was excellent. The food was very good but perhaps not quite as excellent as hoped. It was a very cool space. We really enjoyed the filet and the pasta carbonara. The mushroom appetizer was also quite tasty. The alcohol list was extremely extensive with more than a hundred options. We had some good beers, and a cocktail specific to the restaurant, as well as a glass of wine.

Rebecca C

Google
If I could give Proof On Main six stars, I would—one for each cocktail I had before realizing I still had to walk back to my hotel. The drinks here are so good they should come with a warning label: May cause you to believe you’re a professional bourbon taster. The bartenders are basically liquid magicians, turning spirits into something so smooth and delicious that you forget you have responsibilities. I ordered an Old Fashioned, and I swear I heard a choir of angels sing with the first sip. My friend got a cocktail so fancy it had a garnish that looked like modern art—I think we both teared up a little. If you’re in Louisville and don’t stop at Proof!

Jinah

Google
This is the only bar worth your time in Louisville. We came here only to stay for 1 drink and ended up staying a couple hours instead. Bri was our bartender and she is such a slay!!! She was hospitable, attentive, and so fun to talk to! All the drinks she made were awesome, she is a genius! Try the pink palace, yellow moon, and an espresso martini with whiskey. This was by far the highlight of our Louisville trip, as we were only here for one night. In all, go to Proof on Main for some drinks and your mind will be blown. Next time we are in town, we will be sure to try the food too! Thank you guys!

Chaz D

Google
Visiting Louisville for the Derby and stopped in for lunch. The staff were very friendly. I had the ginger-ale and found it to be bubbly refreshing. Then had their bison burger. I like my meats blue or as rare as possible and it was cooked to perfection. And the flavor reflected its freshness. The only regret I have is also not trying the lobster benedict.

Kurt Backer

Google
Our server Juan was amazing! Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the food and drink menu. The filet and swordfish was melt in your mouth tender. We will be coming back!
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Andrea H.

Yelp
During my recent visit to Proof on Main for lunch, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the food and the overall dining experience. I ordered the hanger steak, which was seasoned to perfection and cooked just right. The flavors were robust and well-balanced, making each bite a delight. It paired wonderfully with their salad, which is a fresh take on the traditional wedge. The crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and delicious toppings complemented the richness of the steak perfectly. For our appetizer, we chose the charred octopus. This dish can be tricky to get right, but Proof on Main nailed it. The octopus was tender and not rubbery at all, with a delightful char that added depth to its flavor. The vibe at Proof on Main is eclectic and unique, adding to the charm of the dining experience. The decor is captivating and creates an inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the customer service was exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff who ensured our meal was enjoyable from start to finish. Overall, my meal at Proof on Main was stellar. The attention to detail in the preparation and seasoning of each dish was evident, and the pairing of flavors was spot on. I highly recommend visiting this restaurant for a memorable dining experience.
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Milton H.

Yelp
We walked in for our reservation and the hostess was not friendly at all towards us. The server was a black male with a shaved head and glasses. He was also really sassy and towards us. The sirloin steak was very good. My wife ordered a salad with a side of chicken. Parts of the chicken came out RAW!! Server stated it would be a chicken breast. It was definitely dark meat and not white meat. The server even confirmed it was dark meat after. He took it off the hill but didn't offer any type of compensation for the RAW chicken in the meal. Not a good experience at all.
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Elise Dixie Jane M.

Yelp
After two bad experiences, I have to be honest. A manager was supposed to call me back but never did. So, I attempted to contact the business first. That being said, I can not, in good faith, recommend Proof. After two $200 checks that were a complete waste (minus the wine), I truly recommend going elsewhere downtown. Food - oversalted both visits. Our server in the bar never came to check on our food. By the time she came back and acknowledged us waving her down after 30 minutes, we decided to leave, as it was too late to order food. I should also note that she was supposed to fix the food issue, disappeared, and never came back. Both visits were before our shows at Kentucky Center. Normally, we visit Proof and drop $200 on the bill, with $50-$70 in gratuity. It took twenty minutes to get our drink orders and another fifteen or so to grab our food. Both visits, we had the same waitress. I called and complained about the first visit, and she did seem to recognize me. So, perhaps she remembered serving me (it was a cluster) the same night that a manager received a call on her... who knows. All I know is that I tried to contact Proof without luck. So, it makes me feel devalued as a hard paying customer. Sadly, we are choosing another restaurant downtown to visit before our season ticket shows.
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Monica G.

Yelp
I had seen a museum was in the hotel where the restaurant is located which got my attention. The food was very good. I was disappointed that my salad was so small with my frittata. The salad stole the show and the frittata was just OK. My mom loved her chicken & biscuit. The bison burger was excellent. The tuna dish was excellent. The biscuits & gravy were good too. The coffee was good. The restaurant was nice, but the decoration in the bar area was strange. Definitely a different type of experience. If anything the food was good.
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Heather B.

Yelp
This was a fun place to eat in downtown Louisville. You could tell the menu was well curated and each dish that we had was well thought out. Our server was great and attentive and made for an enjoyable evening.
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Davlon S.

Yelp
Eclectic vibes, friendly service, and great tasting food. Love the ambiance of this spot. They have something for most on the menu, and the servers are very friendly. Shout out to Taylor.
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Terrance S.

Yelp
This was another delicious 5 star stop. From the decor, to the food, to the staff, everything was top-notch and prepared perfectly. The art installations create a great vibe, and a unique atmosphere. I went with the Pappardelle Bolognese which was incredible, and my travel mate went with the Bison Burger. Everything was superb and this is a great space to visit.

David R.

Yelp
I should have visited this locale prior to today as this is post covid and I was extremely pleased with the service, quality of the food, uniqueness of the presentation, and finally how enhancing their art work has become. Louisville should be proud that we have this venue to offer our visitors. It's a shame more locals don't visit and appreciate the cuisine.
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David V.

Yelp
Had a lovely brunch here. Good options for people wanting breakfast of lunch. Lighter and heavier fare as well. I had a great fried chicken biscuit. Others had a yummy grain bowl and grilled cheese with a side of soup. Good cocktails as well. Be sure to try the beer which is a local collaboration with a brewery and is excellent. Friendly service. We had reservations but Saturday Lu ch was fairly slow. Restaurant is beautiful. Be sure to check out the bathrooms.
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Sabeen A.

Yelp
My friend tricked me. He said, 'we're hungry after the flight so let's grab a quick snack and then find a place to get dinner.' Naively, i said, 'yeah! Good idea!' Well, we went and got some amazing barbeque - thank you KY. And then we made our way a couple hours later to Proof on Main. The ambiance, amazing, the staff, spectacular, and the food... I was appalled. WHY, why did i eat fried chicken and biscuits, when the tuna crudo, the octopus, the MUSHROOMS (oof the mushrooms whyyy), looked and smelled as amazing as they did? Could i loosen my belt? Actually maybe i could take off the belt completely. Because the papperdelle and beef tartare beckoned. I was so mad at my friend because there was so little room in my post-bbq belly that i was forced to try some cocktails instead. and THEY were delicious as well! How dare he have enough space to consume southern fried cooking and then a magical meal afterwards? Ugh - THAT guy. Alas, I made it up to myself by taste testing EVERYTHING and then we wandered around the artwork which were next level (review for that on 21C) but seriously, how dare he. Please, go. Eat the food, and do yourself a solid, DO NOT EAT BEFOREHAND! It's too good to miss a thing.
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Alex M.

Yelp
By far the best food I have had in a very long time. Everything was amazing the biscuits, the breakfast, the brunch, the dinner, the lunch we had to keep coming back to this place multiple times, because of how good it was. Their drinks was also phenomenal, and we literally came here every single day when we were visiting Kentucky, if you are ever in the area and want a good meal, cool people and fantastic drinks I highly recommend you coming to this place because it is the best food I've had in a very, very long time
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Ana B.

Yelp
On our last day in Louisville we stopped by Proof on Main for brunch. I absolutely love the artistic design of this place. Their walls are blue with cherry blossoms, and the curtains match. They have some beautiful red hued artwork displayed on those cherry blossom walls. The artwork is borrowed from their sister hotel, 21c Museum Hotel. They had white tablecloths and silverware already laid out. The chandeliers above were all different from one another. I could see from our table the bar area, where they had a countdown for the new year already going. We were here on December 30th. I don't remember the name of our waitress but she was lovely. I got their fruit & granola and a glass of orange juice, my friend got the fried chicken biscuit. My granola was delicious! It came in a large plate with plenty of vanilla yogurt, granola, fresh strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, topped with local honey. My friend's serving of chicken was huge. She also really enjoyed it. My breakfast was very simple, but also very fresh. We enjoyed our time here, as there is so much to see within the artwork. I would love to explore more of their menu on my future visit to Louisville.
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Paul F H.

Yelp
As we worked out the itinerary for our trip to Louisville and our stay at the 21c Museum Hotel, we decided that the easiest thing to do after a long day on the road was to book a table at the restaurant associated with the hotel -- Proof on Main. It was a very good decision. Not only was it convenient, but the food and drinks were excellent. The first item on the menu was an amuse bouche/aperitivo combo -- the chef's amuse du jour and your choice of a Boulevardier, Gin Martini, or Cucumber Vodka Martini. I'm usually a martini guy, but I decided to try something new to me -- the Boulevardier. The amuse was tasty, the drink was excellent -- and now I'm regularly making Boulevardiers at home. For my entrèe I went with the sirloin steak, my companion selected the pork chop, and we added the cast iron skillet cornbread for the table. My steak was cooked to medium rare (as I ordered) and the other items on the plate (sauce, potato, etc.) complemented the meat quite well. The corn bread was outstanding. I do think it complemented my companion's pork a tad better than my steak but I still enjoyed it immensely. I finished off the evening with a dessert flight of local bourbons -- a foreshadowing of the distillery tours to come over the next couple of days. We also stopped in for breakfast a couple of times. The breakfast service was quick and the items I ordered (the 21c Breakfast and the smoked salmon bagel) were also excellent. After the food and a couple cups of coffee -- we were fueled up and ready to start the day. Whether you are staying at the hotel or not, Proof on Main is a high quality establishment and worth stopping in for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
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Tony L.

Yelp
A friend and I had lunch here as I had never had the opportunity to dine here. My friend is intimately acquainted with the establishment and actually knew most of the people who took such excellent care of us. The food was simply phenomenal. Also the speciality cocktail list was quite impressive. While we were there the mixologist was working on a new cocktail, she took our input and made a few adjustments and come up with a perfect addition to the cocktail list. All the items we tried on the menu were simply perfect. The atmosphere is something to behold as you are sitting in the midst of a modern art museum. This is a must go to place in downtown Louisville for sure!
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Rebecca C.

Yelp
Eye candy while you're eating - no competition in Louisville at all!!! Amazing curated exhibit with loads of different styles and mediums, to include interactive exhibits. And that's just the venue... the food is beautifully and so deliberately done that you can't go wrong with basically anything on the menu. We really enjoyed the hamachi as well as the creaminess of the Cesar dressing. The steak was perfectly done - couldn't ask for more. Put this on your short list -- a brilliant place for friends to gather and nosh, and a unique date night option!
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Patrick Z.

Yelp
Proof on Main was recommended to me by a colleague and I'm very glad I tried it out. First, there's this giant, golden statue of David in front of the restaurant. (It's also right down the street from the world's largest baseball bat, FWIW). While I didn't check out much more of it than what you could see on the way to the toilets, there's a big art gallery attached to the restaurant. Men, you gotta go in and see the "urinal." Even that is a piece of art. But yeah, the restaurant. The bartender makes a hell of a cocktail. I had been by Copper & Kings Brandy distillery earlier, so I opted for a Brandy Manhattan. It was expertly prepared. Their dark liquor selection was vast and quite impressive. I can't imagine looking at the menu and not being able to find something. I quite enjoyed that there were a selection of various "sizes" of plates; including appetizers, tasting platters, sides and entrees. My waiter explained to me that they pride themselves on their seafood selection, so I opted for some halibut. It came out expertly cooked: flaky and well, but not over seasoned. The veggies were a welcomed supporting cast. If I lived in Louisville, Proof on Main would be one of those places I take my out of town guests to show off the food scene in the area. Great stuff!
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Randy K.

Yelp
21C has never disappointed and neither did Proof in Main. Veronica is an amazing and cheerful server! Food was beyond delicious. The bourbon selection is great! And the ambiance is happy and upbeat with an fusion of Japanese and Native American 3D art.
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Taylor N.

Yelp
Came here for our anniversary dinner and the service was fantastic. They were great with helping us choose a wine to pair with our meals and were patient and quick! This is a really great place to come for any special occasion or if you just want a unique dining experience. The decor is interesting and the entire place is just really cool. You MUST get the pork chop. It was the best pork chop I have ever eaten and I have thought about it often since. The sirloin was also great. And our charred octopus appetizer was delicious. We had some really delicious espresso martinis after dinner and they were perfect! We hope to come back for brunch soon!
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Jodi V.

Yelp
Very good buffalo burger! Old fashioned is also very good. It is a quirky place but also great service.
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Sarah W.

Yelp
We arrived for our Sunday brunch reservation at 11 AM and were promptly seated. Interesting artwork at every turn. Comfortable seating, low noise level for a full house of clientele, and terrific service. We started with hot coffee and a request for tomato juice, which was fulfilled with Clamato. We had a wonderful pastry appetizer which was a puffed bun served with whipped topping dusted with chopped pistachios and a side of fig jam. Melt in your mouth deliciousness. I ordered the egg, spinach, potato, and cheese dish with a side of a small salad. The egg dish was a bit over cooked and bland. Service was top notch and efficient, which allowed us to enjoy a relaxed brunch and be on our way in time to attend an event at the Kentucky Center for the Arts located just down the block. Would like to return for dinner service at a future time to try other menu offerings and also explore the art displays.

Nelson B.

Yelp
Horrible service. Had a 7:30 reservation and we got there on time. Waiter took our food order quickly however we did not receive our food for over 90 minutes and that was after complaining to management. The manager failed to show up like she said she would at the end of our dinner. When the waiter brought the check and was unable to explain what was taken out of the bill from the manager I let him know that I had enough of the place and just give me the check for me to pay. He followed that by saying to the rest of the group to have a nice night and stormed out. Not a place that I could recommend to anyone visiting Louisville.
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Amit K.

Yelp
They have a good bourbon selection. Historical place so mix of locals and tourists. Locals have cocktails , tourists have bourbon. The hotel has a museum to nice walk when you go for rest room. I would say go for their barrel picks. Just great picks.
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John K.

Yelp
I had heard this was the place to try in Louisville. And it did not disappoint. The service, food, and cocktails were all perfect. The menu is fresh, farm to table. They have a nice bourbon list and a good wine list as well. The decor is also great. It's inside an art museum hotel. You can even grab a cocktail and head into the museum. It's awesome.
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Nicole A.

Yelp
Cool vibe. Easy to find parking. Nice staff. Food was excellent. We got so much food and all of it was incredible. From the brussels, bison burger, cornbread, carpaccio, octopus, mushrooms, and Cavatelli - nothing was below average. Loved it here.
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Sophia P.

Yelp
I stumbled on this place from a post on IG and it did not disappoint. I only drank and dined in the bar area, because it was before 5pm. Dining is open for lunch until 2pm then closes until 5pm for dinner. I was by myself so I didn't mind sitting at the bar. The atmosphere is with great music and good drinks by great bar mixologist's. Tips are shared amongst all the bar staff, but Matty was amazing and went above & beyond to make sure I was taken cared for. I'm in Louisville so of course I tried their whiskey flights and was made a new fan of Peerless Rye. It's so yummy and definitely stood out amongst the others. The art in this place is amazing and right next door is a free art museum. You have to check it out!! The bathroom even has a fun art feature in it!! I was staying downtown for work so I walked to the restaurant, but I did notice street parking was available if you're driving. Overall a great experience!!! Will definitely come back to try the dining experience when I'm in town and will have my colleagues with me.
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Marianne D.

Yelp
This is the 2nd year in a row that I've dined at Proof on Main while visiting Louisville. The first time was last year in September, it was absolutely fabulous. The food and service were perfect. This time, however, they sat the six of us at a very large round table, which is perfect for conversation, but it was so large (room for 10-12) that there was a disconnect. It was hard to hear each other and we felt far away from each other. I raved about this restaurant and was embarrassed that it was disappointing this time. The focaccia and grilled octopus are still good. The charcuterie for the price was deli meat and two little cheese wedges and pimento cheese. So disappointing. The little jar of pimento cheese was decent, though. My husband's pork chop was very thin and dry. The mushroom cavatelli never disappoints, though. The service was just okay this time. The highlight was when the owner of the 21c Art Museum Hotels stopped by our table to chat. I do love the hotel concept and also the bar at Proof on Main. Definitely go to the bar. I don't think I would dine at the restaurant again, though, as I expect better food and service for the $$$.
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Jon N.

Yelp
Super cool, extremely eclectic spot with some really good food. Service was good, very friendly, but not extremely thoughtful. Brought shared apps but no serving spoons. Didn't notice empty glasses. Had to check on all specials ( soup of the day, flavors of soda, cookie of the day.. ) Nothing terrible, but still a little frustrating.
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Jackson H.

Yelp
Troy the bartender did a great job and treated me like I belonged! Showed me some cool whiskey and was very easy to talk to, didn't try the food but damn it looked good! Will definitely be back! You da man Troy!!!
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Amanda S.

Yelp
Always delicious! Would recommend their brunch or lunch options and then check out the museums in the area!
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Tricia T.

Yelp
Unique Bar with lots of personality. Staff was great. Room was fun and festive. Full bar. Easy location to many events and venues in downtown Lou.
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Bill M.

Yelp
Read a lot of good things about this place and after visiting they are all well deserved! The food is amazing, ambiance is cool and service is top notch We started with some cocktails which were perfect. Tasty and well made. For food we started with the Coconut Carrot soup. Incredible. Unique and delicious. Next we had the Crispy fromdosa mushroom were incredible. So many great flavors and every bit was great. Lenin our server was amazing. Great suggestions and spot on service. This place is a must and afterwards check out the cool museum in the hotel!

Daniel B.

Yelp
We came to this location as a last minute safe place for a massive storm while in KY for a bachelor trip. We were seated immediately with great customer service and a warm environment. We had very good drinks and interactions with the staff the entire time we were there. Xander ( or Zander), came over to spark up conversations about possible places to visit while on our trip. He made great recommendations on places to eat and was great to talk too. For a rainy day, we had a fantastic time!
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Sabrina S.

Yelp
I went to proof for brunch as a recommendation from a local! The staff were accommodating as we didn't have a reservation. The ambiance is calming and creative. I ordered the pimento cheese dip to start and biscuits and gravy as my entree! I was so impressed with the flavor profiles the b&g brought because of the added chili oil on top! I needed something hearty before bourbon tasting and this meal delivered!
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K M.

Yelp
We made a special trip to Louisville to dine at Proof on Main for lunch. What a visually gorgeous space! My companion raved about the fine crafted bourbon cocktails. We found the wine list full of interesting, beautiful wines by the 9 ounce quartino pour. I recommend a Charred Octopus starter and crusty bread. My companion really enjoyed the hot jellied pimento spread and crusty bread with his beverages. The grilled Chicken Romaine salad was good. Might need extra dressing (I did) so ask. High recommendations for the Crab Cake entree - so light and flavorful! We finished with a stellar chocolate mousse. Woot! Thank you, Crystal for a lovely experience. Your authenticity lent itself to an even nicer time.

Karen J.

Yelp
You could tell that there was a real chef in the kitchen preparing these dishes. Combinations of different ingredients in the dishes were delicious. A unique place to eat as well as unique entrées.
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Tyler R.

Yelp
This place is impressive. From the bar to the menu to the 21c museum, it all exudes a regal feel. Great great spot
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Alex G.

Yelp
This is pretty cool place for food and drinks in 21C Museum Hotel. Interesting ambiance, creative drinks, tons of Bourbons, as expected, small, but well curated wine list. Octopus was quite decent, and so was breakfast included with my stay. Service was quite friendly throughout. Prices are fairly high, but that is not unusual
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Lisa S.

Yelp
This is a highly creative and eclectic eatery sourcing fresh ingredients for a uniquely artistic eating experience from the artwork on the walls to the food being served. Our server spent ALOT of time with us describing the menu and making sure we knew what the uncommon ingredients were and how they tasted. She spent so much time that I almost pulled up a chair for her, but we greatly appreciated her menu navigation help and that definitely added to our enjoyment for the evening. The food was delicious. My salmon entree was cooked to perfection and the cauliflower side was so delicious I would be happy with that alone as an entree. The pecan macarons were fresh, airy and full of flavor. And I love how they promote local artists by showcasing their work in the restaurant.
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Jim H.

Yelp
Located inside 21C Museum Hotel: I'm so glad we chose this restaurant. I started out with their savory butternut squash soup. It was rich, creamy, and full of roasted butternut squash flavor. Unfortunately, the waiter did not bring bread to the table. So, I asked if I could have some bread, and the manager brought us delicious, crispy heated bread. I should not have had to ask for bread though, especially while eating soup. One nice thing was that immediately, when the waiter came to our table & welcomed us, he poured us glasses of water from a pitcher. I was comfortable that this restaurant wasn't trying to add to our bill, by making us feel awkward for not purchasing water. The water from the pitcher was quite tasty and perfectly chilled. We did each have a glass of white wine though. For my main entrée I had their mafalda pasta with ham, mushrooms, and parmesan Reggiano cheese. This entrée was even better than I had hoped it would be! Again, it was another rich dish and I couldn't finish it all because I got full quickly. I asked the waiter if I could take it home with me, and he brought me a to go container to the table. This is an upscale restaurant and I would've expected him to package my meal to go for me. But, I packaged it myself, at our dining table. And even as we were leaving, I had to ask him if he had a bag that I could place my to-go container inside. The waiter was polite and he was efficient and he got me a bag. I just don't think he knew how to anticipate the needs of his guests, because he hasn't been trained well and that is the fault of restaurant management. I still tipped him 20%, even though he really only deserved 15%. I don't know why I often over-tip, I really shouldn't! We went elsewhere for dessert and coffee, after visiting the hotel/restaurant museum, which was a wonderful museum experience. I will definitely return to this restaurant because it was a memorable dining experience with delicious food, and the dining room is beautifully decorated.
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Jordan L.

Yelp
That's place is fantastic, dined in her on a Saturday with no reservations and got seated immediately. Fantastic bourbon menu, great staff, awesome food. Came in here on a whim Viyvian took care of us and she walked us through the drink menu, food and dessert. She did such a great job and really he a passion for entertaining her customers and made sure we were happy with your food. The sirloin was fantastic, bison burger was 11/10 and dessert was home made and out of this word. Will be back here again. Viyvian your the best!!!
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Jennifer H.

Yelp
Friendly, accommodating, interesting combos and fun environment. The cocktails are worth it. The view was fun. The service was great. Everything was fresh and flavorful. Worth it for brunch!

Brandon M.

Yelp
My fiancé and I went to Proof for my birthday earlier this year and had an amazing time. Our server was attentive, the cocktails were wonderful, and the food was delicious! My steak was mouth-watering, and my fiancé's chicken was to die for. We recently decided to go back, so I made the reservation for the end of June, and we were very much looking forward to it. On the night of the reservation, we were seated at our favorite spot in the restaurant, and we were eager to get started. However, as our server approached, she was already scowling and huffing and puffing. See, my fiancé and I (both well over the age of 21) made the mistake of looking at the drink menu. Our server approached, didn't greet us or ask us how we were doing, didn't even smile at us. I couldn't even get a word out of my mouth before she sternly DEMANDED to see our ID's. I know it sounds like I'm reaching for something here and it wasn't that bad, but folks, my fiancé and I look our age, and we are well over 21 as I stated before. I know it is their job to check, and honestly it's a compliment when someone thinks I look young for my age, but this was not a kind exchanging of words. I was very pleasant, but she was ready to call the police. When she finally saw our ages, her tone very quickly switched. She knew she had offended us with her demeanor, so she tried to make up for it. All good, but this brings us to the food... The server let us know that she could course us out, but it would still be like every fine dining experience. We would get our appetizers and cocktails, have time to eat at our own pace, finish our drinks, band then our entrees would come out after plenty of time. This is not what happened. We get our appetizer out and it was good! I had no qualms, and they were very accommodating with our dietary restrictions regarding pork. We had about half of the appetizer down in about 5ish minutes, and we were kind of stopping to chat and sip our drinks. We then grabbed the server and asked if she could have the chef pair our entrees with a good glass of wine! Our server said that she wanted to do it. Okay! no biggie, let's do it. Keep in mind, it has been maybe 10 minutes since we got our appetizers. our server goes to get our wine, and lo and behold here comes our food. I haven't even had time to enjoy my appetizer, let alone congratulate my fiancé on her achievements at work, the reason that we were going out in the first place. But hey, I paid 90 dollars for this steak, and 50 for my fiancé's risotto, let's just suck it up and accept that it's out very early. At least it'll be a mind blowing steak, right? Nope. I ordered my steak medium rare, this is my personal preference. We all have our own preferences with steaks, and mine is medium rare. I cut into this steak and it practically Moo'd at me to stop! I mean... folks, this steak was blue. This steak wasn't just cold to the touch, it was freezing. I even showed the waitress and her jaw dropped. Was it even put in a pan? Did you breathe on it to heat it up? Perhaps you used a hairdryer for a couple of seconds on each side? Whichever, that was a raw steak. So the server takes it back and my fiancé reluctantly finished her meal while I sit and wait. Then we get our wine. First thing, the rice in the risotto was raw and crunchy, my fiancé just felt bad about sending it back due to the steak fiasco, and she didn't want to be "that" couple. I also want to add that the wine she gave us was far from a match. Good wine by itself, but a truly awful pairing. The steak finally comes out after a good 20 minutes (we could've just used those 20 extra minutes in the beginning) and I dig in. The steak is rare, but an edible rare, so I don't send it back a second time. It is no longer whispering cow secrets into my ear, so I know it is cooked enough to eat, not to mention I'm starving. First bite, meh. Then every bite after was worse than the bite before it. I didn't even finish the thing. There was no flavor. I wish that were all folks, but it isn't. Dessert came, we got the Torta Tenerina, and it was as hard as a brick, perhaps even harder. I could've used it to effectively rob a bank. At the same time we got dessert, a group of young men sat next to us. They were dressed in athletic shorts and shirts. I know technically this is allowed, it just feels wrong. That wasn't the problem though, the problem was that these young men were very loud, and very foul mouthed. We all use expletives, but in an environment like this, it's extremely inappropriate. They didn't stop yelling horribly insulting things, even though the entire restaurant was glaring at the their table. They didn't pay any mind. Our server walked over to them (sweet justice) and begins laughing with them and taking their orders (aw man). Overall it was an unforgettable experience, and not in a good way. We are sticking with Le Relais from now on for special occasions. If you made it this far, thanks!

Tim D.

Yelp
Had an amazing experience at this restaurant tonight. The food was great and the bartenders were awesome! Highly recommend and look forward to coming back again soon!
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Stephanie K.

Yelp
Incredible atmosphere, from the staff to the art to the on-point craft cocktails. But especially the art and adjacent gallery at 21c. Loved the roasted garlic jam and fresh arugula on the Crispy Frondosa Mushrooms, otherwise they were a little heavily breaded for me. A great stop for a happy hour drink or a snack.

Gail H.

Yelp
If you want to have the famous brisket burnt ends hash, it is no longer offered on the menu. We also arrived too early to order a mimosa. A big disappointment about the hash... but I tried the hanger steak with fries...asked for it to be medium well, but I guess they wanted me to have it medium rare. I let it rest and it came up to medium. The meat was tender and wonderfully seasoned so kudos for that. If you want steak sauce that is also not available. Fries were perfection. Our server was amazing and gave us a wonderful overview of the art in all three rooms and the back room. Ambiance is incredible.
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Peter Z.

Yelp
Amazing service.amazing food. I been to many restaurants but the service here is by far the best. Our hostess, Izzy is the best. If you ever stop by Proof on main, Izzy will make your dining experience the best. Thank you Proof on main
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Justin M.

Yelp
What a great experience. We came in late, after 10. We saw a show nearby. I was so happy the bar was still open and even though they were closing soon the bartender was happy to serve us with no complaints. Kasey and Whit gave awesome service and I will definitely be back after my next show. Was great to get our drinks and walk around!
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Renae L.

Yelp
We stopped in for a cocktail after our Evan Williams Bourbon tour. Very eclectic spot, lots to look at. The guys in our group express that the men's restroom is a not to miss experience with the two way glass. Enjoyed a mint Julep while chatting with friends. An interesting spot to pass the time with a fine cocktail.
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Kymisha M.

Yelp
The ambiance, the food, the drinks, the service! Everything that a 5 star rating restaurant should have, this place has! We started the evening in the bar lounge area to drink and ended up having dinner. The menu was great. A few nice selections that I don't typically see where I live which drew me in more. There's a weird 70s cool kid vibe and I mean this in the best way. But let's get back to the food. I had the rabbit and she had the pork chop. They both were delicious. We both settled on the street car as our drink of choice, without regret because it was delicious! Anytime I'm in Louisville, I'll definitely be back for you!
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Erikka T.

Yelp
We were excited to come back here since they have changed their menu. We have came previously while staying at the 21c hotel; it is attached. If you have time, check out their free museum as well! They are wonderful for dinner or late night bites and have a full bar. They make their own Ginger Ale and Tonic Water. The Ginger Ale by itself was delicious but I also got a Ginger Ale with Angel's Envy and it was just the right mix of bourbon and fizz. Our next course consisted of the Brussels and Cornbread, both in the sides menu. The Brussels were sweet and charred, bathed in a cherry and balsamic bath; the Cornbread was sweet and savory, both were delicious on their own. The Cornbread reminded me of Christmas, topped with Applesauce and Butter with green onion and finishing salts. Next, I had the Parsnip soup which was creamy, light, refreshing, a little sweet, a little tart and earthy. The granola, apple pieces and parsnip gave just enough of a crunch to satisfy my need to chew. My husband had the Bison Burger that is from their farm. It was savory and juicy, accompanied by fries. The fresh cut fries were light and crispy, with just the right amount of salt and parsley. We dressed pretty casual, but generally people looked put together and trendy. We saw everything jeans and sweaters to cocktail dresses and suits. Our waitress Patti was fast, knowledgeable and sweet. We look forward to our next return trip to this great restaurant!