Watch Hill Proper

Our group of 4 had a Thursday night reservation. We had pretty high expectations based on reviews and hype, and this place lived up to it. The service was friendly and very attentive. If you love American Whiskey, you won't be disappointed. We came for the drinks but the food was very impressive. Great selection of appetizers and entrees. The cocktails we got were delicious. We will be back!

I have never given any place all five stars but Watch Hill Proper truly is exceptional!!! This is our second time here since we’re from PA. Doing the BOURBON TRAIL again. Watch Hill has THE BEST selection of very rare bourbons. The bourbon bible is impressive. Prices for pours are outstanding!!! We were celebrating our friend’s 48th birthday here and he was impressed that he was able to taste Rip Van Winkle 12yr lot B, Blanton’s Takara, George T Stagg, John Handy 2024. The flight tasting was exquisite!!! Staff is exceptional, food was even better now that they have a vegetarian menu - thank you chef, and the price is outstanding. Service was on point with timing our meals. Our waiter Matt was fabulous and so personable. Love him. Bartenders are masters of their craft - thank you for the delicious cocktails. This is a must place to come and experience!!

We had a great time on Valentine’s Day here. Food was flavorful, service was pleasant and helpful, and of course the bourbon selection was excellent. Atmosphere was really nice, energetic but relaxed. They also had some live music for part of our meal. Would definitely recommend and come back on a trip to Louisville.

Incredible food, staff and service! The chef came around to check on us and we were blown away with our entire experience. We will definitely return for another celebration in the future.

Expensive, but the beef tenderloin is the best tenderloin I’ve ever had. The pimento cheese is divine. Try the seviche! The Gold Rush cocktail is amazing.

Came here on a Thursday evening to enjoy a few drinks. Their bourbon selection is incredible. Apparently around 2100 different options to pick from. With that quantity of options you really need a guide to help point you in the right direction. Our server was very helpful with making recommendations and just generally projecting lots of enthusiasm! Tried the Senator and Little Book Infinity - both were fantastic! Also ordered some fried red potatoes and they were delicious! Highly recommend! Overall great experience and looking forward to coming back.

Gorgeous atmosphere, beautiful space and the bourbon wall is literally ICONIC 😍😍🥃 chef Michael was fantastic. We had a variety including escargot, shrimp cocktail, crap croquettes and so much more. The food was excellent what a lovely time to celebrate Valentine's Day 💘

Upscale meets chill. This place is amazing. The service and food were impeccable! Chef Micheal Crouch took the time to come by our table and ask us how we enjoyed everything. Very cool experience.

As an international traveling food critic and unbeknownst to the staff, the following is what I experienced: + We had the pleasure of meeting the Manager, Chris directly on arrival. He has a very positive attitude and sets the example of excellence. + Superb service from David. He was energetic, down to earth, extremely efficient with impeccable situational awareness. + Very comfortable and impressive atmosphere. + Quality of food was exceptional high with nothing but the finest of meats, starch, and vegetables. If you are in the area and don't take the time to dine here, you missed out on a fine experience.

Wow, after numerous times coming to WHP following spring performances of Shakespeare at Luther Luckett Correctional Center in Lagrange, which always end after 9 pm, and after making arrangements weeks in advance this year for a late table (explaining that we could not arrive before 9:30, and being assured that we could still be served), when our group of six arrived last night, we were told the kitchen was closing, and were rushed unceremoniously by an extremely rude server to get our orders in. Both the hostess and the evening manager were apologetic and reassuring ("We'll take care of you!") but the SERVER was shockingly discourteous. I am deeply disappointed to have made advance arrangements for an evening hosting my friends, and to spend $800, only to be back-handed by a server who somehow thought that he outranked both the hostess and the maitre d'. I hope that I can somehow continue to bring guests to dinner at WHP following Shakespeare Behind Bars productions, as well as for other events, as it's an exceptional dining experience -- but somehow communications need to improve. If I were WHP, I would replace the server we had last night with someone trained in diplomacy.

We had dinner at Watch Hill Proper last night - while our drinks were very good - the food left something to be desired. We had the lobster roll and fried red potatoes. The lobster roll was dry and tasteless - you'd be better off going to Cousin's food truck. The fried red potatoes were very good. Overall I was a bit disappointed for the price.

Came here for a business meeting and it was top notch. Biggest bourbon selection I have ever seen and the foods s service was great. Would definitely recommend

Love it. Higher end but worth it. The chef is a talent with the food being inspired and wonderful and the atmosphere is wonderful as well. MUST place to go if you love Bourbon.

I have been to Watch Hill Proper many a time and they never disappoint. They always help me find a new great bourbon, and as all was the food is most excellent. I always enjoy my time there.

Great service, good drinks and countless bourbon options. Eclectic menu, upscale and pricy. The food was great, we had the seared scollops, the pasta and a bone in rib eye to share. Darkish interior with good ambience.

Came on a weekday and the restaurant was pretty full and bustling and a bit loud. The lighting reminded me of a traditional steakhouse and bar. I made a reservation on Open Table and they do charge a $64 deposit (it was just me eating alone). Service was really good but it took a long time for the main entree came to come out. The appetizer came out really fast but then I waited 23 minutes for the entree. There was nothing to munch on or anything. Amuse bouche - small piece of bread with cheese spread. A bit salty and strong for an amuse bouche but I appreciate the presentation and bite of food. Torched king salmon - delicious. Fish is tender and was medium cooked because of the torching. Portion is small for the price. Duck breast - the duck was cooked perfectly and it was absolutely delicious. It paired well with the sweet syrup sauce and glaze and the prune jam. I did not like the goat cheese grits though. Oatmeal cookie ice cream This was good but it didn't have a big oatmeal cookie presence. It was more like oatmeal flavored vanilla ice cream. I would have rated 4 stars if it wasn't for the long wait between the appetizer and entree. The food is promising though.

Bar review only- Stopped by for a pre dinner drink. We were seated at the bar immediately. We did not have a reservation. Staff were super friendly and kept asking us to stay and have dinner! The chef sent out a small complimentary bite- bread w pimiento cheese. Our bartender, Danny, was great. He explained the beverage menu to us and its organization. They have pages and pages of bourbon. We had a couple cocktails and enjoyed watching them go up the ladder to get specific orders taken care of. Apparently the chef used to be with bourbon bistro and on mellows before the chicken place took over. I bet the food is good. Prices were as expected. Parking is along the street. Ambiance - kinda dark inside. Very cool date night spot. A little noisy. Would like to return for dinner sometime.

This place is within my new top 3 restaurants in Louisville. Amazing service and impeccable dishes. The selection of bourbon was overwhelmingly amazing and the staff really cater to your palette.

One of the best bourbon collection in the world and shockingly reasonable prices for food. There is something for every price point, solid ambiance, good food, and great whiskey. Service is on par for the prices. Def worth popping into

Service, food and drink was great, prices are on the high side but this is high end dining so I would say these are the prices I expect for this type of restaurant. I've read plenty of reviews complaining about portion sizes but I would argue the portion sizes are perfect. We're so used to having 3x as much food on our plate than we really need. I left feeling perfectly full and satisfied and I would return to this restaurant! It feels fancy and relaxing all at the same time. Great experience.

We visited Watch Hill Proper last night to celebrate mg daughter's 21st birthday. We had an amazing time! The food, the service and the drinks are all 5 star! Can't wait to go back. I had this apple/bourbon drink that is out of this world!

Watch Hill Proper is a fantastic spot in Norton Commons! The bourbon selection is top-notch, the cocktails are crafted to perfection, and the atmosphere is cozy yet upscale. I do wish they had a bit more appetizer options but other than that this is a must-visit for bourbon lovers!

If I had to imagine the perfect Bourbon bar, it would be Watch Hill Proper. Leather chairs? Check. Barrel interior decor? Check. Bourbon selection? Check. Almost 1,800 unique bottles! At the same time almost $350 pours under $10, and only 73 bottles over $100 a pour. Unlike some "museums", Watch Hill Proper is trying to make American whiskey accessible to the people! This made "Proper" a must-stop on a recent Bourbon Trail trip. I was able to walk in and get a seat without a reservation on a Friday night. I was prepared to wait if needed- and it looks like I would have been fine to wait with the nice lobby bar right at the entrance. I was really impressed with the ambiance and the decor. Besides the famed wall of whiskey, I noticed glass cases showing their "unicorns" and other rare items in their collection. There were also bottle lockers- I had to ask about those. It's a perk for members who want to keep their own bottles there and drink from them. I love that idea! Note: You don't have to be a member to go! They do offer special memberships full of perks like the use of their spaces, discounts, and experiences. I wish I lived in Louisville, I would probably be signing up for a membership immediately. Even though I studied their Bourbon menu online before I went, I still took a good 15 minutes to game-plan my time there. With their wide selection I got the chance to try a lot of bottles I heard about but haven't had the pleasure of trying. Pro Tip: Do the half-pours, it will allow you to try more within your budget! The service was great, at the end I asked them for a recommendation of an under $10 pour to cap off the night and they came back with a 10-Year Henry McKenna Bottled-in-Bond. It's a pour I've had before but I was more impressed that it was priced that well! Hats off to the folks at Watch Hill, I can't wait to spend another night there again.

Dinner, service, and cocktails were amazing and impeccable. Thoughtful preparation and meticulous execution!

Recently had dinner (December 20, 2024) at Watch Hill Proper and very disappointed with the food. There were many seafood items on the menu, which the waiter noted is always fresh as it is frequently flown into the nearby UPS hub. We stared with the shrimp cocktail which was watery (no crispness) and covered in spices, obviously been frozen. For entrees we had duck breast, which was chopped up and covered with sauce, and sea bass, which was very soft and had no firmness and obviously been frozen, and overcooked. The bourbon selection was very impressive and the waiter was friendly and attentive. This was a birthday celebration for my son, who could not have been more excited to be going to Watch Hill Proper. We left disappointed and felt we paid for less than average food.

Every time we stay in Louisville we come to your restaurant. The food is always top notch and the service is always good. It is definitely up-scale dining but worth the price. We love the selection of Whiskey available.

If it gets any better than this place, I will believe it when I see it. Great service staff , our waiter knew more about bourbon than I did and I work at Tot.. W...s for years. I ordered the short rib and my friend got the duck. Duck was great but we both agree the short rib was one of the best ever. Crowd on this Thursday night was delightful Adding this to my top ten list Dressy casual seems to be the theme

Too-pricey. Okay service. Salty food. Decent ambience. More focused on booze than food. Delicious desserts.

Had an amazing stopover at Watch Hill Proper! We came in for drinks, but wound up lounging over the 'amuse bouché' and a few appetizers. The drinks were unique and flavorful, with my favorite being the 'sin' cocktail. They lobster hush puppy was one of the best foods I've ever put in my mouth! Definitely try out this upscale option in Norton Commons!

Amazing food! Fantastic service! Incredible ambiance! One of the best places I have ever dinned at and I world travel all of the time! Amazing experience all together! Shout out to Heaven Hill for the recommendation !!!

I wanted to check this place out because of their great selection of bourbons, which indeed they do have. They have some pretty rare items, but the prices for those are pretty high, a bit too high for me. We did try out some of the bourbons (not the very sought-after one) and did enjoy them as well as the cocktails. The ambiance was pretty nice (reminds me of a place back home) , and our service was decent. For dinner, I did enjoy the steak tartare, Sake Katsu Iberico Secreto, and Pasta Bolognese.

Watch Hill Proper is an experience not to be missed. Chris is a one of a kind Certified Bourbon Steward who arranged a blind tasting of exceptional bourbons after listening to what our bourbon preferences were. He mixed it up with some new choices and we enjoyed each pour. The ambience, from the barrels to the bourbon wall, was incredible. The service was outstanding and Chef Michael Crouch whipped together an outrageously delicious vegan meal for us. We can't wait to go back.

My husband and I recently went to Watch Hill Proper for dinner and to listen to some jazz. We really enjoyed the ambiance and music. The food was delicious as were the special drinks. However, expect to pay a lot. It was extremely expensive. The drinks alone were $20 each.

First time here. Went for my son's birthday. The bread and cheese they bring to each table was delicious. All of our meals where fantastic. My moms pork shoulder was tough to chew but she said the flavor was really good. I had the duck breast which tasted phenomenal just thought for the price you should get more than 2 slices. The cocktails all taste wonderful. Our server Mo did a fantastic job answering all of our questions and making sure our needs were met. So if you are looking for a place to relax and have a bourbon and a great meal this is the place to go.

This was an absolute gem! Whether you're visiting from out of town or local, I would put this at the top of the list of places to dine. We sat at the bar with Tom and Ashley who were very attentive and knowledgeable. Everything from the ambiance, to the food, drinks and service was amazing! Would love to come back next time I'm in Louisville.

Definitely a must-go place for any bourbon or cocktail enthusiast! The staff is very friendly and very knowledgeable, and their wall of bottles is one that is hard to beat! The prices are pretty fair within the market, but there are some gems that I found at a really good price per pour! Just have to know what you're looking for. I will definitely plan to stop by during any future Louisville trips!

Bourbon lovers paradise! Everything you can think of. A catalog for you to choose your favorites from

While in town recently, I wanted to catch up with a friend who appreciates bourbon. Itching to try somewhere new, I did a quick search and Watch Hill Proper popped up. After a tasty dinner, we made our way there to chat over a finger or two of bourbon. Located in a newer section of the Norton Commons subdivision, Watch Hill Proper looks like any other business from the outside. Once inside, however, you are transported into what feels like a sumptuous speakeasy. Upon entering we asked for a table, and were ushered over to a high top. We passed an exclusive bar near the host stand, a cozy area with leather couches, and the bourbon library before being seated. Racks descend from the ceiling with bourbon barrels lining them, and the main bar is decorated with hundreds of bottles of amber bourbon, complete Roth rolling ladders to help access them. Our server Cris promptly greeted us and took our drink orders. I went with an Old Fashioned, eager to see how this place interpreted the classic cocktail. While we waited for our drinks, Cris brought over some toast with a fantastic pimento cheese spread. Our drinks arrived, and this Old Fashioned gets my seal of approval. Every part of it was well-balanced, and it was a drink that was not too sweet, not too strong, and very smooth to sip. A friend has gotten a Boulevardier and also gave that a thumbs up. Watch Hill Proper definitely impressed us all, and it won't be long before we are headed back for another visit!

The food was really yummy. Lots of variety. Very Nice workers. Really cozy :) superb!

The atmosphere is similar to most higher end restaurants in town with a bourbon theme. It's a beautiful, masculine restaurant. Their bar is impressive and the wait staff is pro active. Always checking on you. Maybe a little more than I want, but I would rather have that than the alternative. The chef and manager asked us how the food was a few times and i thought that was nice. We had the charcuterie, which was delicious. They made a smaller version for my husband and I. My husband loved his lobster hush puppy and shrimp cocktail. I had the pasta bolognese, which was delicious. It wasn't as heavy as most local places and had chunks of meat. I was surprised that a dish that's typically heavy wasn't. My husband loved his short rib entree. He wishes they would have put more short rib in it. There's more sweet potato than protein. I think an extra slice would have made it perfect. The cheesecake is also delicious. I don't think you can go wrong with anything here.

Best Old Fashioned? Christian at a hole in the wall , Fuji Steak House. Simply amazing cocktail that will blow you away great! No kidding. Worth the trip just for His take on an Old Fashioned.

This place ain't cheap, but it is worth checking out. Service was excellent, food was excellent, and the cocktails were very good. We had the lamb ribs, duck, and beef tenderloin ($67 market price.) Lobster Ball app also excellent. They did have a whole wall of bourbons, with a library-style ladder to access them, which is cool. As I said, our service was excellent. Water glasses never got empty and plenty of roving floor managers checking things out. It was a well-run restaurant, great for special occasions.

Wonderful vibes, food, and service. Oh and gotta mention the Bourbon and cocktails-fabulous!

A great place to try different bourbon. With over 2000 varieties you can't go wrong. Can't wait for my next visit.

Was able to attend this new gem during their soft opening weeks with a few friends. Plenty of different options for seating from couches, to leather chairs, to booths, to tables & high top chairs which, I feel, gives it character. Comes across as a speak easy, definitely a bourbon enthusiast bar, and a great social environment. This place has a membership but is not a members only place... it's open to the public. The membership allows you to keep bourbon at their location with a locker, offers discounts, priority reservations, etc Shortly after arriving, the chef introduced himself, sent us a complimentary appetizer and even said they're hoping to expand the kitchen later that will bring more options for food. We ordered the charcuterie board and later order a couple lobster hushpuppies. All the food was good but that charcuterie board was wonderful! Drinks: The concept seems to be of taking popular drinks but making with with a bourbon twist. I ordered the signature drink, Katniss Cosmo, which was served in blown glass bird glass (see picture) and instead of vodka, it's made with bourbon. I really liked this drink but wanted to try another cocktail and went with the Proper Mojito (I love mojitos), but of course, instead of rum, it was bourbon. This was a great mojito, so much so that I skipped trying another different cocktail and opted for the mojito again; however, the 2nd one totally disappointed. I couldn't even pretend to drink it and I sent it back. It was completely different from the original but I couldn't place what it was missing or needed more of. The waiter advised that they were still trying to get everything down pat and perhaps a different bartender made the 2nd one and missed something. No worries... it's a new place during a soft opening and they didn't charge me for it. A friend had also ordered their salad but it never came... again, soft opening so no stars deducted. I did try to go back on Thurby (Thursday of Derby week for the out of towners) night for drinks but it was a ticketed event night of $150/pp. I will be visiting this place plenty, I'm certain.

Great bourbon selections. Have pours to accommodate everyone's budget. You don't have to be a member to patronize this business. I think that's a big misconception. The food is awesome. I forgot to take pics but everything I ate was delicious. Did I mention they have bourbon as well!!!!!!!

Such an amazing atmosphere and service. The drinks were top notch and I felt it was great value for the price.

Bourbon lovers paradise! This place has such a vibe. Couches and lounge areas and more bourbons than you ever thought possible to be houses under one beautiful roof. The cocktails are nice, but for a bourbon fan, you're better off getting something you've never heard of and sipping it straight or on ice. With couches in the center of the space, I find it a great place to journal or day dream, while people watching. The wait staff seems a bit too uptight for my liking but since I was by myself, they probably didn't care for how small my bill was compared with other tables. I hope this place grows in popularity!

What an impressive place in the newer portion of Norton Commons, so easy to park for now. Lots of new construction going on all around it. We sat at the bar and learned that it's locally owned and the largest whiskey bar in America (or did he even say in the world?) The whiskey selections are carefully arranged in order of the states as the entered the union and within the state, alphabetically. I hope I'm getting that right. They are pretty strict about only offering whiskey--no beer or other spirits. They do have wine, however. We had THE MOST IMPRESSIVE CHARCUTERIE BOARD we have ever had! Totally a meal. No TV's. Lots of comfy leather seating. It seems to be lacking a cozy fireplace. There's outdoor seating setup seasonally. Ladies rest room was immaculate. Nice bar staff and friendly chatter in the place. The luxurious Lyric apartments are attached to the building of Watch Hill Proper, as is the brand new rap room for the locally owned Atrium Brewing. If we lived anywhere in Norton Commons, we would be regulars here! Will be back.

If you are looking for an upscale bourbon bar, then Watch Hill Proper is definitely your place. If you are looking for a high-quality meal, then I would pass. I recently had dinner at WHP, and they food was alright at best. I ordered their "$99" bone-in ribeye steak and it was a complete let down. The portion was small as all the weight was in the bone. At best, this should have been $50-$60.00. The server was nice and you can not best the atmosphere.

We had the privilege of attending the soft open for friends and family last week. Louisville's newest bourbon bar is exquisite! The widest selection of bourbons I've ever seen and some truly delicious cocktails. We had a sampling of a bourbon and a rye as well as their classic cocktails a Manhattan and an old fashioned. In addition to the drinks we had a charcuterie board which was HUGE and delicious. I plan to bring my mother back for her birthday after they open to the public on April 8th.

Gorgeous place but website clearly states walk-ins preferred..really? Okay, so we walk in and they wont give ANY options to try to seat you! We were easily a $700 table and willing to wait for a table and they found every excuse they could find to turn us away. Did I mention the place was empty and the first reservations were not coming for an hour. Not the brightest way to run a business in my opinion but another gorgeous restaurant was more than happy to take our money lol

If you love bourbon, great service, and great food, this place may become a bucket list dinner. They have the very best bourbon list anywhere in the country. The menu is beautifully crafted to complement the bourbon and add to the experience. Prices are very reasonable for this type of experience. We celebrated a 40th birthday to cap off our bourbon trail trip and we will always remember Chris, Anna, and the entire team at WHP. Tastings: Weller Full Proof store pick Makers Cellar Aged Masters Keep BIB Parker's Heritage Cask Rye 2023 Bakers 13 We ate the 28oz boned in Ribeye with potatoes and Brussels.

It truly doesn't get any better than this place if you are a bourbon lover. By far, they have the best bourbon collection I have ever seen. The service is friendly and they will recommend items based on your flavor preferences. The bartenders are masters of the craft and make all types of Old Fashioned cocktails and more. Great vibe overall. I can't forget about the food. The chef is always on his game and will come out and greet guests during the evening. I've been here 3 times and it has only gotten better. Highly recommend.

This place was wonderful! So many good cocktails. The way I judge a bar is if they can make a proper whiskey sour (so many places make terrible ones) and Watch Hill Proper happens to make one of the best! I am always recommending this place to friends and family. I have been 4 times and every time has been on point. Can't wait to go back again.

Went here for my boyfriends birthday and we loved it! The drinks were great, some random finds that honestly weren't too crazy in price. French cuisine, the description on the menu could be a little more reader friendly who are not familiar with this style of food but Justin answered all of our questions and treated us like we were his only table. We live in the area and will definitely return. Also the manager Chris stopped by on multiple occasions and was great as well.

Had a reservation prepaid, yes paid $50 per person to ensure reservation for more than 2 months. Took 20 minutes to get drink order placed. Another 10 to get drink order. An hour and fifteen minutes later no appetizers and no more drinks. Was told special room had priority. No cocktails or offer of anything due to inconvenience. Staff said every weekend overbooked and angry people. If you can wait more than two hours. 2 hours and 15 minutes to be exact, food was not hot but it was delicious, I will not return, it was not that good!