I have been here several times, and the food is excellent. BUT, it is not a good value, as the prices are exceedingly high for what you get. I recently went in a party of three and we had four small dishes and a double order of the heirloom tomatoes. This equated to a bite or two from each dish and 3-4 tomato slices each. Add two drinks each and it was $50 apiece plus tip. Nice service and an inviting (if sometimes loud) ambience. My wife loves this place, but I am recommending alternatives whenever she brings it up.
(4)
Devin S.
We stopped in for appetizers and wine, we ended up getting the Lobster hush puppies and a bottle of their half priced merlot. Our waiter was a gentlemen with long hair, he was very professional and knew his trade well. The Merlot was excellent and the food was even better! Well worth the price, ended up being 50$ with a generous tip. We plan on going back soon!
(5)
Emily W.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU YELPERS?! The fact that this establishment has less than 4 stars on average is appalling to me. Shame on you! My husband and I opted to dine here on a Monday night for our wedding anniversary. I haven't been here since it was L&N years ago, and I have to say it doesn't disappoint. The highlight of our evening (besides the wine that I'm still recovering from...) was a character of a waiter named Marty. I know bad service can ruin a meal, but I've never had service so good that it makes your night. Bravo, Marty! But obviously you're all here to read about the food, which absolutely did not disappoint. I love the concept of small dishes as I'm one of the most indecisive people you'll ever meet. We split the lobster hush puppies, duck confit strudel, corn pudding, red potatoes with bone marrow butter, beef tenderloin, and seared duck WITH PEANUT.BUTTER.DUST. The meat dishes melt in your mouth (like butta!) The sides were good but not the highlight of the meal. Still necessary though. But seriously. Get the seared duck and the tenderloin with bernaise. That's the glory of the small portions! Also had a celebratory chocolate pot de creme on the house. Thank you for the impeccable experience!
(5)
Caitlin B.
Wow! Bistro 1860 makes a great argument for best restaurant in town. Love the option to have small portions to allow you to taste several of the deliciously crafted dishes. Will definitely return for the lobster hush puppies, oysters, heirloom tomato salad, Ahi tuna & duck breast!
(5)
Will W.
The ol lady and I's favorite joint. Im definitely not a foodie or claim to know a lot about nice dining, but this place is the shteez. I've gotten something different every time (3) it is was all good, same goes for the woman. Sometimes i wasnt exactly sure what i was ordering but after taking a bite, the flavor was like nothing I've ever tasted before, vuury good. The prices are very reasonable. I had a gift card the last time I went for 50 chuck, so me and the lady went "high on the hog" so to speak with mixed drinks and appetizers and what have you and the bill was only like 60$
(5)
Michelle C.
So this is a little bit of a story. My family went to Bourbons Bistro a few years ago and my dad had this AMAZING pork chop dinner that I'm pretty sure he dreams about. When we went back the chef was no longer there and they didn't make the dish any more. My dad was heart broken, UNTIL! we found out that the chef now works at Bistro 1860. We went there for my moms birthday and it was delicious! I had the lobster hush puppies (a must have!), the arugula salad with a bourbon poached pear, and the duck which was really good. And then we had the ice cream tasting for dessert - you get all the types of ice cream in tiny little bowls and they're made in house. It's nice because you can choose how big or little you would like each of your plates to be. My only annoyance (which is listed by most people) is that there are a TON of specials and it's very hard to remember them all. So the chef came out to see how our meal was and dad was ohhing and ahhing over him and asked about the pork chop dish. Chef Michael said you give me three days notice that you're coming in and I'll make it for you. WHAT?! Yes! So of course my dad's birthday is in a month, so my mom calls Chef Michael, tells him we have a reservation and he says he'll have pork chops. Well I ordered the salad and the lobster hush puppies again and also had the zucchini Parmesan soup which was delicious! My dad just had the pork chop and let me tell you about this thing. It was a pound at least with the bone in - stuffed with chorizo and mozzarella and topped with bacon and the most amazing bourbon sauce! Served with delicious light mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus *drool*. My husband, mom and I split one because it was MASSIVE! And THEN! since it was dads birthday he got a free dessert - vanilla bean creme brulee. WOW!! Soooo yummy :D The service and the food are all amazing!!
(5)
Babak A.
I liked the place, the food was very good, waiters, they knew what they should do. I will definitely go there again.
(5)
Russell C.
This is a casual haute cuisine bistro. Small tables. Small portions (if selected) appropriately attentive very competent service. Has a fireplace. One of the most..., hard to use any other word but cozy.... Cozy establishments to which I have been. Only warning is the prices. There is nothing inexpensive not even the smallest portion. But the variety of tastes offered is outstanding and I really cannot wait for another cold, snowy fireplace kind of night to revisit.
(4)
Francesca H.
I hate this place and the food. The servers act like know it alls and they messed up on my order.
(1)
Jason R.
Really enjoy this place! The menu is great and it's available in multiple portion sizes so that you can sample many things. Love the lobster hushpuppy with candied jalapeño and the pork belly tacos. Also some great steak and fish entrees as well. Great selection of wine by the glass and bottle. Definitely a favorite!!
(5)
Greta S.
I really like this place--the food is very, very good and the atmosphere is warm, but I still can't justify the prices. Three scollops, on a recent night, cost upwards of $40 and that didn't include much of anything else. The small plate concept is great, but somehow I either order too little or too much. Maybe I need larger parties so we can mix it up. The wine list is very acceptable and the pour is always fresh. I love the duck confit strudel and the lobster hush puppies. Actually I like just about everything, but again you can run up a pretty impressive bill. Love the concept that everything keeps changing on the menu but there are so many specials that it takes the waiter twenty minutes to go over everything and then you can remember what all he said. Print up an addition for the menu!! I don't want this restaurant relegated to "special occasion" but when you can dine in New York less expensive, you are really pushing the price point in Louisville. The bartenders tend to be imaginative and always ready to offer a taste of wine before you marry the bottle. Of course we'll be back, but it would be so much more often...
(4)
Paige H.
Fine dining at its best! I love the portion options they give you, I was able to try multiple things without filling up. Wine was a little overpriced, but it was a great experience all around.
(5)
Tabitha H.
The service, despite some complaints here on yelp, was awesome. The best part, aside from the wine selection was the server who was attentive and delightful. The food was lackluster for the price considering so sadly I will not be returning.
(3)
Les G.
Great dinner tonight. Dined with my wife, her mom & aunt. Service was top notch and we tasted at least half of the menu. Dishes and sides ranked from top to bottom. Seared Tuna- One of the top versions I have ever had of this dish. Short Ribs- A special tonight served with polenta. Outstanding Duck Strudel- Innovative and delicious app. Roasted Red Skin Potatoes-Crispy skin and a creamy interior. The Bone Marrow Butter and Garlic Aioli were delicious. Lobster Hush Puppy's- A nice take on a childhood fave. Lamb Chops-Nice dish well cooked but didn't wow. Escargot-Same perhaps to much cheese. Brussel Sprouts- Tasty but could have been cooked longer.
(5)
Tim B.
Came back for the pan seared duck with roasted red potatoes and brussel sprouts. We added a salad and had ice cream for dessert. Great food.
(5)
Mona T.
The ambiance of this place is amazing. Its a classy restaurant, with great decorations, exterior landscaping and an inviting patio area. The menu is eclectic, I mean sashimi and sushi options alongside a twist on tacos, and escaragot. The meat dishes were enjoyed thoroughly by my friends and we all learned what peanut butter dust was. The table favorite seemed to be the lobster hushpuppies. My meal was one of the few vegetarian options, the papperdelle pasta with grilled artichoke, tomato and goat cheese. It was a great concept, just difficult to eat with the broth like sauce and long pasta. The dessert was indulgent and the best part of the meal with a flight of hand made ice cream ranging from earl grey vanilla to lemon goat cheese. The ice cream was worth the trip.
(3)
Greg P.
Came here with my running group (8) the evening of the Ky Derby Marathon. Everything about the experience was great. We all ordered several different small plates and shared. I have to say that I have never had duck served so many different ways. Our server was very attentive. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars as the cramped set-up of the wait station at the bar. It really seemed to be the bottleneck in raising the service to a 5 star level, IMHO. I highly recommend trying the limoncello. Best I've ever had.
(4)
Stephanie G.
I had a wonderful dinner with two friends at Bistro 1860, and I can't wait to visit again! We were fortunate enough to plan our "girl's night out" on a Monday, which is half-price bottles of wine night at Bistro 1860! One of my friends was visiting from San Francisco, and she was extremely impressed with the menu selection and wine list. We enjoyed an Apaltagua Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon and a Malbec, paired with a generous cheese plate, peanut brittle and breads. Then, I had the salmon and asparagus, and both were outstanding! We finished with a chocolate mint dessert and coffee. Our server, Marty, was gracious and entertaining. There were warm fires in the fireplaces of each cozy dining room, which was a welcoming atmosphere on a rainy night. I will recommend Bistro 1860 enthusiastically!
(5)
Rene M.
If I could rate this as 4.75 I would. It was almost perfect. Unfortunately there were a few things keeping our experience from a five-star rating. First, the service. We were a group of five out for a business dinner on a Tuesday. The bistro was full, but not packed. We were seated promptly and drink orders were taken without delay. As several had been waiting at the bar with drinks in hand, many were at different "stages" related to the needs for refills. This caused the waiter to return several times with drinks, while others waited with menu still in hand. After ordering several appetizers, we waited for the return of our waiter to place our dinner order. The wait was lengthy and appetizers arrived prior to the placing of our order; therefore, menus (still in hand) were placed on the bench or at table ends. The fact that I had to ask for a refill of water indicates the need for better service. Secondly, the portions are small. This is fine if you want to "sample" other small portion of other entrees. I didn't and would have preferred a larger portion. As my meal was a special, the portion size option either didn't exist or wasn't mentioned by the waiter. For purposes of distinction my small salad would have fit into a small "cup of soup" and my sea bass would be the equivalent of one medium-sized chicken tender. These issues were minor when compared with the taste of the food. The mussels and lobster hush puppies were amazing. The lamb and sea bass were terrific and the roasted potatoes were the best I ever had. The flavor and presentation of the food was beyond superior. The atmosphere was perfect. A historic house with exposed break with the ambiance of a fire in each room. The areas are quite small and I would not have been happy sitting at a table in the room with the bar and disappointed if I was seated at a table in the middle of one of the 3 rooms as there is very little wiggle room surrounding tables. I found the restaurant charming and selfishly hope it doesn't become so popular I can't get a table. Unfortunately the location is fairly remote. To me this makes it special, to the owners this makes it a challenge without the establishment of word of mouth and excellent reviews. The fact this restaurant didn't come up in the top 10 when I conducted my Yelp search of restaurants in Louisville amazed me. It isn't cheap, but it is well worth it! I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Michele B.
Went here a while back. Asked the bartender for a whisky sour. Actually got a truly authentic whisky sour- complete with raw egg white. The problem is that it is just not the norm these days and he did not inform me he was using raw egg white, I just happened to see him make it. It also didn't taste a thing like what most people are used to for a whisky sour (which I realize is sad) the drink itself was very good, however it is his responsibility to inform patrons when using raw ingredients. As it was our first time there, he insisted that we try several dishes. Despite us gently telling him we were not into raw food, he kept bringing out numerous dishes that were just plain raw and insisted we try them. Thank god for a couple really strong drinks, I was able to choke down a steak tartar. It was just like I thought, disgusting. Raw meat. Ugh, the same with the salmon, barely a cooked edge to it. Now I realize many people do enjoy such cuisine and that is just fine. However when you've made your preferences known and continue to get raw food, well what can I say? I've never paid so much for uncooked food in my life. We originally came here, following Michael Crouch from Bourbons. Loved his food there, here not so much. So if you're looking for some raw meat and eggs, this is your go to restaurant. Blech.
(1)
Melanie K.
Let me give you the Bistro 360: There is an amazing patio to have outside dinners and conversations. We would have stayed outside if it had not been so chilly. The inside decor is very comfy while everything trends to the yellow theme. The service is hit and miss, we waited at the host stand with no greeting for 3-4 minutes. We were placed at a table in the center of the room with four surrounding tables in each corner. After about 5 minutes of servers and guests constantly moving around us we asked to be relocated. The menu is great for people wanting to try a lot. Most dishes come in a 2oz, 4oz, or 8oz portion. A lot of the dishes on the set menu were similar in ingredients. However, there are a lot of specials that change daily. There were so many specials when we went it was like another menu. We just asked our server if she could show us what she had written down. Summary: Lack of Consistency This place has to have the employees just as confused as the guests are about what to expect for dinner. The food was not balanced. Sometimes there was a lot of sauce, sometimes a lot of salt, sometimes no flavor at all. I am going to offer 1860 a piece of advice: Be a tapas menu or be a full plate menu because you are doing a lot of things okay but nothing really great.
(3)
Stephanie T.
Good food. It is more like a tasting menu but they do offer full meals and specials if wanted. All the food we had was very good. A little pricey and there far too many awesome restaurants in Louisville to say for sure if we will be back.
(3)
Leigh W.
I was so excited to try the new restaurant in the location where L&N had been. I'd heard great things and had high hopes. They were all dashed by my experience. Because we had plans to go on a Saturday night, I made reservations more than a week in advance. I was greeted by the manager and one server who couldn't seem to find my reservation. Eventually a third employee came up and solved the mystery and ushered us quickly to our table. Needless to say, we got off on the wrong foot. Our very chatty, though not very informative, bumbling waiter proceeded to carry on the tone set by his counterparts at the host stand. And our bus boy's clumsiness didn't lend itself to what I would expect in what's supposed to be fine dining. Our waiter brought us some very delicious cocktails, the best part of our meal. The Brujo was exceptional. I would definitely go back to sit at the bar and sip on one of these with a friend. After reviewing the menu and finding very few options for my vegetarian desires, I was hopeful that there would be some nice options on the evening's list of specials. The list of specials was as long, if not longer, than the menu, so much so that the waiter had to reference his notes extensively. I can't blame him. No one should be expected to remember all that, but they should print a list of daily specials for the convenience of the customers and the staff. Since there were hardly any vegetarian options on the menu and only one of the chef's vegetarian specials for the evening left at 6 p.m., I chose a cup of the soup of the day of the chilled melon variety and an entree size of the mixed green salad. The salad was completely uninspired and the portion was hardly what I would consider large enough for dinner. I still held out hope for dessert with the incredibly small dinner I was having. When it came time for the desserts, we were disappointed to learn that we could choose from a creme brulee, pot de creme or vanilla ice cream. Ick. Two custards and the plainest variety of ice cream that's simply an accompaniment for something more delicious (and hopefully chocolate). We passed and chose to finish off our meal with dessert at another establishment. And, while this has nothing to do with the food or service, I must say that I can't believe what a monstrosity Dennis Tapp has made out of the once historically preserved building. The mustard yellow exterior is garish. He certainly must be proud of his work since there's a huge plaque stamping his masterpiece in plain view for all to see as they enter the restaurant.
(2)
Cara F.
Really love this place. Unique space, wonderful food and great way to serve it - you have the choice of two to three sizes in order to share with the rest of the table. If they have the pineapple rosemary ice cream, get it. Just do it. I will be back soon!
(4)
Melanie L.
I am a fan b/c the place is gorgeous and the food is delicious...Down sides are that it took forever to get our (delicious) cocktails, one shouldn't wait 20 minutes for that first drink. HUGE MISTAKE from our server to tell us the Scallop Special had no meat and it came with small bits of fresh bacon in it...bad bad bad form to not know the menu or for the chef to not communicate it. Louisville on the whole is insensitive to non meat eaters, bacon on everything. Place was overall pretty good and I will give it another chance.
(4)
Jes P.
Bistro 1860 is 100% excellent. I was so sad to see L&N go and had high, but reserved, hopes for its replacement. Last week I visited the revamped spot with a small group of friends and we were all as happy as clams with our experience. The menu concept of bite, appetizer or entree size allowed you to try numerous dishes and livens up your palate with a dance of flavors. I had the Lobster Hush Puppies, Guinness and Sorghum Braised Pork Belly, Ginger and Cider Braised Short Rib, Creekstone Farms Filet of Beef and a variety of sides ranging from Brussels Sprouts with Benton's Bacon to Corn Chevre Pudding. Look at that list - it was all heaven. The fabulous cocktails and wine we had with dinner were just icing on the cake. Chef MIchael Crouch (formerly of Bourbons Bistro) has turned this classic exposed brick ambiance-d wall location, revamped with a modern twist, into a new go-to destination for Louisville foodies. It is on my Top 5 list for 2013. As of the date of this post, they have 1/2 price bottles of wine during happy hour on Tuesday and Wednesday. Just one more reason to go early and eat more.
(5)
Mark P.
Wonderful New Year's Eve dining. This new restaurant has it together! Opening a resturant is always challening. Getting it right is even more difficult especially on NYE. Bistro 1860 did a great job. Their menu offers 3 wine suggestions for each item. Prices were fair considering this is upscale dining. Especailly loved the oysters and the rack of lamb. On a regular night, will go back again and eat at the bar; that area seemed warm and welcoming.
(5)
Beth L.
Fantastic addition to the Louisville food scene!! The small plate options allow you to try it all!!
(5)
Joe R.
This place is a good new place to try. But only to try. The meal quality is inconsistent, the server we had had a little bit of an attitude, and they had 15+ specials which took about 10 minutes for him to go through. At our table we ordered 2 filets medium well (a little pink) and they arrived overdone; to the point of them being burnt. So we sent them back. We got the new filets and they were again very burnt. Our server was rude about the issue but then the owners brother came and handled the issue a lot better. I probably wouldn't go back. For main meals averaging $25+ , you would expect more. When others get the same results, this restaurant won't last very long.
(1)
Taylor R.
Dined there Monday which is a bottle for half price night. Ordered a bottle of Wine listed on the menu at $72 and was charged $36. Only problem is that wine retails for &17 to $23 a bottle depending on the outlet.Ouch! Buyer beware.
(2)
Ashley E.
This is one of our new favorite restaurants. Cute atmosphere, great service, amazing food and cocktails. Favorites include the fig and goat cheese tart special, scallops, and lobster hush puppies. You will be happy you came here!
(5)
Benton K.
This is an excellent establishment. All three of us chose smaller portions so that we could share and sample as much of the menu as possible - and we were not disappointed. Every single dish came out perfectly seasoned, elegantly presented, and at the right temperature. Our server was new and slightly inexperienced with the menu, however, he was more than helpful and the perfect amount of attentive. Overall, highly recommended!
(4)
Kim H.
I was soooo excited about visiting this restaurant. The concept and menu looked amazing. Unfortunately it did not live up to expectiations. I called to see about getting a table for 4 at 7:30 on a sat night and was told (as expected) that there were not tables available, but the lounge would have tables. I asked if the menu was the same and she said yes. I arrived to meet my guests and were welcomed warmly and shown upstairs (which i appreciated and thought it indicated that we would have great service). Unfortunately, not mentioned on the phone were the fact that the lounge did not really have tables, just a few side tables to set drinks on around where we were sitting. We decided it would fun and since we would be ordering lots of little plates it would be fine. Between the 5 of us we ordered much of the menu. The food was good, nothing exceptional, but good. The desserts were terrible. We ordered the eclair and the pot de creme and they were both sub par. The biggest problem was the service. We repeatedly had to reorder drinks, not to mention having to sit with empty glasses for long periods of time, one of our sides never came and our waiter seemed to be annoyed that we were even there While we had high expectations, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, service and food dissapoint.
(2)
Jerrod K.
It's hard to miss the brightly yellow painted walls of Bistro 1860, and the truth is, you shouldn't. Miss it that is. If you're looking for a classy atmosphere with excellent service and delectable entree's, then this is the place for you. We went with a group of eight people for a birthday dinner and everyone at the table was blown away. I would say that if you go as a group everyone can share and pass around the palm of your hand sized plates for a total tasting of the menu. Cocktails are original and perfected, appetizers are daring and enticing, and entree's are 5 star quality. An absolute recommended place for adults.
(4)
S. H.
Unimpressed and disappointed! Service was bad, but I can always overlook that. I am most disappointed in the food. I got a Caesar salad and I did not feel that the flavors worked well together. I found out after it came out that there were anchovies on it. Next I ordered the filet which had about a pound of butter on top. Ordered Brussel sprouts for the table and corn pudding. Both were terrible. Brussel sprouts had way too much red wine in them and the corn pudding had no taste. Also was disappointed in the "old Brownsboro road" cocktail. Didn't even finish it. I wanted to like this place, but will not be returning.
(2)
Jason G.
The following is a fine dining review from a meat-and-potatoes critic. I wanted to take my wife somewhere nice for a Valentine's Day dinner, so I settled on Bistro 1860. It was something new and had some rave reviews online, so i decided to give it a shot. Our server began the evening with a plentiful list of specials. To be honest, I don't even see how she remembered them all, we certainly couldn't. It may be better to print them out for the guest if you have 6-7 specials, especially when you already have a very unique and expansive menu for the guest to digest. Anyway, if you are not familiar with the menu concept here, you can order each item in a bite, appetizer, or entree portion which roughly translates to 1,2 or 3 servings of that item on the plate. We decided to dine tapas style. For round one, we had the sweetbreads special, the dungeness crab cakes, the braised pork belly, and 2 oysters. The sweetbread, in this case thymus, was done excellently, although I am not a huge fan in general. To borrow from Andrew Zimmern, the aftertaste is just mineral-y for me. The crab cakes were good and meaty, although I found the aioli to be lacking in flavor a litle bit. Thankfully the dish was also accompanied by a pomegranate jelly which, although hard to manager, went well with the crab. I'm not sure how i felt about the pork belly. This is a dish that is extremely rich on its own, and it was braised in guiness and sorghum making it even sweeter, and accompanied by a corn pudding, which, again, was sweet. I would have preferred some contrast in the flavors, it was almost like a meaty dessert. In fairness, I did attempt to accompany the pork belly with a glass of H3 Columbia Crest Merlot as suggested by the pairing menu, but the server forgot my wine so I had to finish the dish without it before it got cold. The wine was great when it arrived though, and probably would have evened out the dish. For round two we ordered the escargot, a pork taco, and 2 lobster hush puppies. The lobster hush puppies were outstanding, it was kind of like a lobster crab cake made with cornmeal, very crunchy on the outside and with a tasty sauce and good lobster flavor. My wife said the escargot was excellent and she ate every bite. I passed on those even after multiple attempts by her to get me to try just a small piece, because, snails. I know, shame on me. Hey, I tried the sweetbreads. The taco could have been great, with the exception of its dismal shell. It tasted like a gluten-free organic bran taco shell, bland and lacking in texture. I let my wife try it and and she commented the same thing before I had even mentioned it. Please, change the shell. For dessert we had a chocolate hazelnut petit four cake. This thing was divine, and I don' t even like hazelnuts. Seriously, we destroyed it in about 1 minute, I couldn't even stop eating it to savor it. All in all it was a very good experience. The only service slip up was the wine issue, otherwise service was very helpful and attentive. The atmosphere was very upscale but the staff was friendly and unpretentious. I came to this restaurant with the highest of expectation and I review it with the same, so I debate whether to give it 4 or 5 stars, but I think I have to go with 4, just because a few of the dishes I thought were good, just not exceptional. However, if you like to drink good wine and dine on some creative dishes without breaking the budget, then I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Steve R.
I find it hard to think of anywhere else in Louisville right now that is producing food of the quality of Bistro 1860. Granted I have only dined there twice but on both occasions the food was outstanding. The presentation, plating and fresh ingredient and flavour combination in every dish calls out for high praise. Service is equally on the mark whether you are eating at the bar or in the restaurant, being efficient and low key to the point where they seem to be able to anticipate your needs before you know yourself, something few businesses can achieve (tip of the hat here to Singapore Airlines as the benchmark in this area). The wine list spans all price and varietals capably and the cocktail range and inventiveness backed up by the dexterity of the bar staff is impressive. This is a real local gem and a big step up from the venerable L&N. My only single reservation is about the choice of the buildings outside paint colour; a mustard yellow/ochre that in daylight brings you to a grinding halt on first sight. I can't yet decide if I like it for its two finger salute to good taste or if its just plain wrong. Bistro 1860 - Best In Show. Return visit (again) continues to confirm my views on the outstanding food quality here. The extensive menu and specials could in another place give rise to worries of quantity over quality but here it's all done with such finesse. Carry On being outstanding.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Upscale Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
J G.
I have been here several times, and the food is excellent. BUT, it is not a good value, as the prices are exceedingly high for what you get. I recently went in a party of three and we had four small dishes and a double order of the heirloom tomatoes. This equated to a bite or two from each dish and 3-4 tomato slices each. Add two drinks each and it was $50 apiece plus tip. Nice service and an inviting (if sometimes loud) ambience. My wife loves this place, but I am recommending alternatives whenever she brings it up.
(4)Devin S.
We stopped in for appetizers and wine, we ended up getting the Lobster hush puppies and a bottle of their half priced merlot. Our waiter was a gentlemen with long hair, he was very professional and knew his trade well. The Merlot was excellent and the food was even better! Well worth the price, ended up being 50$ with a generous tip. We plan on going back soon!
(5)Emily W.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU YELPERS?! The fact that this establishment has less than 4 stars on average is appalling to me. Shame on you! My husband and I opted to dine here on a Monday night for our wedding anniversary. I haven't been here since it was L&N years ago, and I have to say it doesn't disappoint. The highlight of our evening (besides the wine that I'm still recovering from...) was a character of a waiter named Marty. I know bad service can ruin a meal, but I've never had service so good that it makes your night. Bravo, Marty! But obviously you're all here to read about the food, which absolutely did not disappoint. I love the concept of small dishes as I'm one of the most indecisive people you'll ever meet. We split the lobster hush puppies, duck confit strudel, corn pudding, red potatoes with bone marrow butter, beef tenderloin, and seared duck WITH PEANUT.BUTTER.DUST. The meat dishes melt in your mouth (like butta!) The sides were good but not the highlight of the meal. Still necessary though. But seriously. Get the seared duck and the tenderloin with bernaise. That's the glory of the small portions! Also had a celebratory chocolate pot de creme on the house. Thank you for the impeccable experience!
(5)Caitlin B.
Wow! Bistro 1860 makes a great argument for best restaurant in town. Love the option to have small portions to allow you to taste several of the deliciously crafted dishes. Will definitely return for the lobster hush puppies, oysters, heirloom tomato salad, Ahi tuna & duck breast!
(5)Will W.
The ol lady and I's favorite joint. Im definitely not a foodie or claim to know a lot about nice dining, but this place is the shteez. I've gotten something different every time (3) it is was all good, same goes for the woman. Sometimes i wasnt exactly sure what i was ordering but after taking a bite, the flavor was like nothing I've ever tasted before, vuury good. The prices are very reasonable. I had a gift card the last time I went for 50 chuck, so me and the lady went "high on the hog" so to speak with mixed drinks and appetizers and what have you and the bill was only like 60$
(5)Michelle C.
So this is a little bit of a story. My family went to Bourbons Bistro a few years ago and my dad had this AMAZING pork chop dinner that I'm pretty sure he dreams about. When we went back the chef was no longer there and they didn't make the dish any more. My dad was heart broken, UNTIL! we found out that the chef now works at Bistro 1860. We went there for my moms birthday and it was delicious! I had the lobster hush puppies (a must have!), the arugula salad with a bourbon poached pear, and the duck which was really good. And then we had the ice cream tasting for dessert - you get all the types of ice cream in tiny little bowls and they're made in house. It's nice because you can choose how big or little you would like each of your plates to be. My only annoyance (which is listed by most people) is that there are a TON of specials and it's very hard to remember them all. So the chef came out to see how our meal was and dad was ohhing and ahhing over him and asked about the pork chop dish. Chef Michael said you give me three days notice that you're coming in and I'll make it for you. WHAT?! Yes! So of course my dad's birthday is in a month, so my mom calls Chef Michael, tells him we have a reservation and he says he'll have pork chops. Well I ordered the salad and the lobster hush puppies again and also had the zucchini Parmesan soup which was delicious! My dad just had the pork chop and let me tell you about this thing. It was a pound at least with the bone in - stuffed with chorizo and mozzarella and topped with bacon and the most amazing bourbon sauce! Served with delicious light mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus *drool*. My husband, mom and I split one because it was MASSIVE! And THEN! since it was dads birthday he got a free dessert - vanilla bean creme brulee. WOW!! Soooo yummy :D The service and the food are all amazing!!
(5)Babak A.
I liked the place, the food was very good, waiters, they knew what they should do. I will definitely go there again.
(5)Russell C.
This is a casual haute cuisine bistro. Small tables. Small portions (if selected) appropriately attentive very competent service. Has a fireplace. One of the most..., hard to use any other word but cozy.... Cozy establishments to which I have been. Only warning is the prices. There is nothing inexpensive not even the smallest portion. But the variety of tastes offered is outstanding and I really cannot wait for another cold, snowy fireplace kind of night to revisit.
(4)Francesca H.
I hate this place and the food. The servers act like know it alls and they messed up on my order.
(1)Jason R.
Really enjoy this place! The menu is great and it's available in multiple portion sizes so that you can sample many things. Love the lobster hushpuppy with candied jalapeño and the pork belly tacos. Also some great steak and fish entrees as well. Great selection of wine by the glass and bottle. Definitely a favorite!!
(5)Greta S.
I really like this place--the food is very, very good and the atmosphere is warm, but I still can't justify the prices. Three scollops, on a recent night, cost upwards of $40 and that didn't include much of anything else. The small plate concept is great, but somehow I either order too little or too much. Maybe I need larger parties so we can mix it up. The wine list is very acceptable and the pour is always fresh. I love the duck confit strudel and the lobster hush puppies. Actually I like just about everything, but again you can run up a pretty impressive bill. Love the concept that everything keeps changing on the menu but there are so many specials that it takes the waiter twenty minutes to go over everything and then you can remember what all he said. Print up an addition for the menu!! I don't want this restaurant relegated to "special occasion" but when you can dine in New York less expensive, you are really pushing the price point in Louisville. The bartenders tend to be imaginative and always ready to offer a taste of wine before you marry the bottle. Of course we'll be back, but it would be so much more often...
(4)Paige H.
Fine dining at its best! I love the portion options they give you, I was able to try multiple things without filling up. Wine was a little overpriced, but it was a great experience all around.
(5)Tabitha H.
The service, despite some complaints here on yelp, was awesome. The best part, aside from the wine selection was the server who was attentive and delightful. The food was lackluster for the price considering so sadly I will not be returning.
(3)Les G.
Great dinner tonight. Dined with my wife, her mom & aunt. Service was top notch and we tasted at least half of the menu. Dishes and sides ranked from top to bottom. Seared Tuna- One of the top versions I have ever had of this dish. Short Ribs- A special tonight served with polenta. Outstanding Duck Strudel- Innovative and delicious app. Roasted Red Skin Potatoes-Crispy skin and a creamy interior. The Bone Marrow Butter and Garlic Aioli were delicious. Lobster Hush Puppy's- A nice take on a childhood fave. Lamb Chops-Nice dish well cooked but didn't wow. Escargot-Same perhaps to much cheese. Brussel Sprouts- Tasty but could have been cooked longer.
(5)Tim B.
Came back for the pan seared duck with roasted red potatoes and brussel sprouts. We added a salad and had ice cream for dessert. Great food.
(5)Mona T.
The ambiance of this place is amazing. Its a classy restaurant, with great decorations, exterior landscaping and an inviting patio area. The menu is eclectic, I mean sashimi and sushi options alongside a twist on tacos, and escaragot. The meat dishes were enjoyed thoroughly by my friends and we all learned what peanut butter dust was. The table favorite seemed to be the lobster hushpuppies. My meal was one of the few vegetarian options, the papperdelle pasta with grilled artichoke, tomato and goat cheese. It was a great concept, just difficult to eat with the broth like sauce and long pasta. The dessert was indulgent and the best part of the meal with a flight of hand made ice cream ranging from earl grey vanilla to lemon goat cheese. The ice cream was worth the trip.
(3)Greg P.
Came here with my running group (8) the evening of the Ky Derby Marathon. Everything about the experience was great. We all ordered several different small plates and shared. I have to say that I have never had duck served so many different ways. Our server was very attentive. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars as the cramped set-up of the wait station at the bar. It really seemed to be the bottleneck in raising the service to a 5 star level, IMHO. I highly recommend trying the limoncello. Best I've ever had.
(4)Stephanie G.
I had a wonderful dinner with two friends at Bistro 1860, and I can't wait to visit again! We were fortunate enough to plan our "girl's night out" on a Monday, which is half-price bottles of wine night at Bistro 1860! One of my friends was visiting from San Francisco, and she was extremely impressed with the menu selection and wine list. We enjoyed an Apaltagua Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon and a Malbec, paired with a generous cheese plate, peanut brittle and breads. Then, I had the salmon and asparagus, and both were outstanding! We finished with a chocolate mint dessert and coffee. Our server, Marty, was gracious and entertaining. There were warm fires in the fireplaces of each cozy dining room, which was a welcoming atmosphere on a rainy night. I will recommend Bistro 1860 enthusiastically!
(5)Rene M.
If I could rate this as 4.75 I would. It was almost perfect. Unfortunately there were a few things keeping our experience from a five-star rating. First, the service. We were a group of five out for a business dinner on a Tuesday. The bistro was full, but not packed. We were seated promptly and drink orders were taken without delay. As several had been waiting at the bar with drinks in hand, many were at different "stages" related to the needs for refills. This caused the waiter to return several times with drinks, while others waited with menu still in hand. After ordering several appetizers, we waited for the return of our waiter to place our dinner order. The wait was lengthy and appetizers arrived prior to the placing of our order; therefore, menus (still in hand) were placed on the bench or at table ends. The fact that I had to ask for a refill of water indicates the need for better service. Secondly, the portions are small. This is fine if you want to "sample" other small portion of other entrees. I didn't and would have preferred a larger portion. As my meal was a special, the portion size option either didn't exist or wasn't mentioned by the waiter. For purposes of distinction my small salad would have fit into a small "cup of soup" and my sea bass would be the equivalent of one medium-sized chicken tender. These issues were minor when compared with the taste of the food. The mussels and lobster hush puppies were amazing. The lamb and sea bass were terrific and the roasted potatoes were the best I ever had. The flavor and presentation of the food was beyond superior. The atmosphere was perfect. A historic house with exposed break with the ambiance of a fire in each room. The areas are quite small and I would not have been happy sitting at a table in the room with the bar and disappointed if I was seated at a table in the middle of one of the 3 rooms as there is very little wiggle room surrounding tables. I found the restaurant charming and selfishly hope it doesn't become so popular I can't get a table. Unfortunately the location is fairly remote. To me this makes it special, to the owners this makes it a challenge without the establishment of word of mouth and excellent reviews. The fact this restaurant didn't come up in the top 10 when I conducted my Yelp search of restaurants in Louisville amazed me. It isn't cheap, but it is well worth it! I can't wait to go back.
(4)Michele B.
Went here a while back. Asked the bartender for a whisky sour. Actually got a truly authentic whisky sour- complete with raw egg white. The problem is that it is just not the norm these days and he did not inform me he was using raw egg white, I just happened to see him make it. It also didn't taste a thing like what most people are used to for a whisky sour (which I realize is sad) the drink itself was very good, however it is his responsibility to inform patrons when using raw ingredients. As it was our first time there, he insisted that we try several dishes. Despite us gently telling him we were not into raw food, he kept bringing out numerous dishes that were just plain raw and insisted we try them. Thank god for a couple really strong drinks, I was able to choke down a steak tartar. It was just like I thought, disgusting. Raw meat. Ugh, the same with the salmon, barely a cooked edge to it. Now I realize many people do enjoy such cuisine and that is just fine. However when you've made your preferences known and continue to get raw food, well what can I say? I've never paid so much for uncooked food in my life. We originally came here, following Michael Crouch from Bourbons. Loved his food there, here not so much. So if you're looking for some raw meat and eggs, this is your go to restaurant. Blech.
(1)Melanie K.
Let me give you the Bistro 360: There is an amazing patio to have outside dinners and conversations. We would have stayed outside if it had not been so chilly. The inside decor is very comfy while everything trends to the yellow theme. The service is hit and miss, we waited at the host stand with no greeting for 3-4 minutes. We were placed at a table in the center of the room with four surrounding tables in each corner. After about 5 minutes of servers and guests constantly moving around us we asked to be relocated. The menu is great for people wanting to try a lot. Most dishes come in a 2oz, 4oz, or 8oz portion. A lot of the dishes on the set menu were similar in ingredients. However, there are a lot of specials that change daily. There were so many specials when we went it was like another menu. We just asked our server if she could show us what she had written down. Summary: Lack of Consistency This place has to have the employees just as confused as the guests are about what to expect for dinner. The food was not balanced. Sometimes there was a lot of sauce, sometimes a lot of salt, sometimes no flavor at all. I am going to offer 1860 a piece of advice: Be a tapas menu or be a full plate menu because you are doing a lot of things okay but nothing really great.
(3)Stephanie T.
Good food. It is more like a tasting menu but they do offer full meals and specials if wanted. All the food we had was very good. A little pricey and there far too many awesome restaurants in Louisville to say for sure if we will be back.
(3)Leigh W.
I was so excited to try the new restaurant in the location where L&N had been. I'd heard great things and had high hopes. They were all dashed by my experience. Because we had plans to go on a Saturday night, I made reservations more than a week in advance. I was greeted by the manager and one server who couldn't seem to find my reservation. Eventually a third employee came up and solved the mystery and ushered us quickly to our table. Needless to say, we got off on the wrong foot. Our very chatty, though not very informative, bumbling waiter proceeded to carry on the tone set by his counterparts at the host stand. And our bus boy's clumsiness didn't lend itself to what I would expect in what's supposed to be fine dining. Our waiter brought us some very delicious cocktails, the best part of our meal. The Brujo was exceptional. I would definitely go back to sit at the bar and sip on one of these with a friend. After reviewing the menu and finding very few options for my vegetarian desires, I was hopeful that there would be some nice options on the evening's list of specials. The list of specials was as long, if not longer, than the menu, so much so that the waiter had to reference his notes extensively. I can't blame him. No one should be expected to remember all that, but they should print a list of daily specials for the convenience of the customers and the staff. Since there were hardly any vegetarian options on the menu and only one of the chef's vegetarian specials for the evening left at 6 p.m., I chose a cup of the soup of the day of the chilled melon variety and an entree size of the mixed green salad. The salad was completely uninspired and the portion was hardly what I would consider large enough for dinner. I still held out hope for dessert with the incredibly small dinner I was having. When it came time for the desserts, we were disappointed to learn that we could choose from a creme brulee, pot de creme or vanilla ice cream. Ick. Two custards and the plainest variety of ice cream that's simply an accompaniment for something more delicious (and hopefully chocolate). We passed and chose to finish off our meal with dessert at another establishment. And, while this has nothing to do with the food or service, I must say that I can't believe what a monstrosity Dennis Tapp has made out of the once historically preserved building. The mustard yellow exterior is garish. He certainly must be proud of his work since there's a huge plaque stamping his masterpiece in plain view for all to see as they enter the restaurant.
(2)Cara F.
Really love this place. Unique space, wonderful food and great way to serve it - you have the choice of two to three sizes in order to share with the rest of the table. If they have the pineapple rosemary ice cream, get it. Just do it. I will be back soon!
(4)Melanie L.
I am a fan b/c the place is gorgeous and the food is delicious...Down sides are that it took forever to get our (delicious) cocktails, one shouldn't wait 20 minutes for that first drink. HUGE MISTAKE from our server to tell us the Scallop Special had no meat and it came with small bits of fresh bacon in it...bad bad bad form to not know the menu or for the chef to not communicate it. Louisville on the whole is insensitive to non meat eaters, bacon on everything. Place was overall pretty good and I will give it another chance.
(4)Jes P.
Bistro 1860 is 100% excellent. I was so sad to see L&N go and had high, but reserved, hopes for its replacement. Last week I visited the revamped spot with a small group of friends and we were all as happy as clams with our experience. The menu concept of bite, appetizer or entree size allowed you to try numerous dishes and livens up your palate with a dance of flavors. I had the Lobster Hush Puppies, Guinness and Sorghum Braised Pork Belly, Ginger and Cider Braised Short Rib, Creekstone Farms Filet of Beef and a variety of sides ranging from Brussels Sprouts with Benton's Bacon to Corn Chevre Pudding. Look at that list - it was all heaven. The fabulous cocktails and wine we had with dinner were just icing on the cake. Chef MIchael Crouch (formerly of Bourbons Bistro) has turned this classic exposed brick ambiance-d wall location, revamped with a modern twist, into a new go-to destination for Louisville foodies. It is on my Top 5 list for 2013. As of the date of this post, they have 1/2 price bottles of wine during happy hour on Tuesday and Wednesday. Just one more reason to go early and eat more.
(5)Mark P.
Wonderful New Year's Eve dining. This new restaurant has it together! Opening a resturant is always challening. Getting it right is even more difficult especially on NYE. Bistro 1860 did a great job. Their menu offers 3 wine suggestions for each item. Prices were fair considering this is upscale dining. Especailly loved the oysters and the rack of lamb. On a regular night, will go back again and eat at the bar; that area seemed warm and welcoming.
(5)Beth L.
Fantastic addition to the Louisville food scene!! The small plate options allow you to try it all!!
(5)Joe R.
This place is a good new place to try. But only to try. The meal quality is inconsistent, the server we had had a little bit of an attitude, and they had 15+ specials which took about 10 minutes for him to go through. At our table we ordered 2 filets medium well (a little pink) and they arrived overdone; to the point of them being burnt. So we sent them back. We got the new filets and they were again very burnt. Our server was rude about the issue but then the owners brother came and handled the issue a lot better. I probably wouldn't go back. For main meals averaging $25+ , you would expect more. When others get the same results, this restaurant won't last very long.
(1)Taylor R.
Dined there Monday which is a bottle for half price night. Ordered a bottle of Wine listed on the menu at $72 and was charged $36. Only problem is that wine retails for &17 to $23 a bottle depending on the outlet.Ouch! Buyer beware.
(2)Ashley E.
This is one of our new favorite restaurants. Cute atmosphere, great service, amazing food and cocktails. Favorites include the fig and goat cheese tart special, scallops, and lobster hush puppies. You will be happy you came here!
(5)Benton K.
This is an excellent establishment. All three of us chose smaller portions so that we could share and sample as much of the menu as possible - and we were not disappointed. Every single dish came out perfectly seasoned, elegantly presented, and at the right temperature. Our server was new and slightly inexperienced with the menu, however, he was more than helpful and the perfect amount of attentive. Overall, highly recommended!
(4)Kim H.
I was soooo excited about visiting this restaurant. The concept and menu looked amazing. Unfortunately it did not live up to expectiations. I called to see about getting a table for 4 at 7:30 on a sat night and was told (as expected) that there were not tables available, but the lounge would have tables. I asked if the menu was the same and she said yes. I arrived to meet my guests and were welcomed warmly and shown upstairs (which i appreciated and thought it indicated that we would have great service). Unfortunately, not mentioned on the phone were the fact that the lounge did not really have tables, just a few side tables to set drinks on around where we were sitting. We decided it would fun and since we would be ordering lots of little plates it would be fine. Between the 5 of us we ordered much of the menu. The food was good, nothing exceptional, but good. The desserts were terrible. We ordered the eclair and the pot de creme and they were both sub par. The biggest problem was the service. We repeatedly had to reorder drinks, not to mention having to sit with empty glasses for long periods of time, one of our sides never came and our waiter seemed to be annoyed that we were even there While we had high expectations, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, service and food dissapoint.
(2)Jerrod K.
It's hard to miss the brightly yellow painted walls of Bistro 1860, and the truth is, you shouldn't. Miss it that is. If you're looking for a classy atmosphere with excellent service and delectable entree's, then this is the place for you. We went with a group of eight people for a birthday dinner and everyone at the table was blown away. I would say that if you go as a group everyone can share and pass around the palm of your hand sized plates for a total tasting of the menu. Cocktails are original and perfected, appetizers are daring and enticing, and entree's are 5 star quality. An absolute recommended place for adults.
(4)S. H.
Unimpressed and disappointed! Service was bad, but I can always overlook that. I am most disappointed in the food. I got a Caesar salad and I did not feel that the flavors worked well together. I found out after it came out that there were anchovies on it. Next I ordered the filet which had about a pound of butter on top. Ordered Brussel sprouts for the table and corn pudding. Both were terrible. Brussel sprouts had way too much red wine in them and the corn pudding had no taste. Also was disappointed in the "old Brownsboro road" cocktail. Didn't even finish it. I wanted to like this place, but will not be returning.
(2)Jason G.
The following is a fine dining review from a meat-and-potatoes critic. I wanted to take my wife somewhere nice for a Valentine's Day dinner, so I settled on Bistro 1860. It was something new and had some rave reviews online, so i decided to give it a shot. Our server began the evening with a plentiful list of specials. To be honest, I don't even see how she remembered them all, we certainly couldn't. It may be better to print them out for the guest if you have 6-7 specials, especially when you already have a very unique and expansive menu for the guest to digest. Anyway, if you are not familiar with the menu concept here, you can order each item in a bite, appetizer, or entree portion which roughly translates to 1,2 or 3 servings of that item on the plate. We decided to dine tapas style. For round one, we had the sweetbreads special, the dungeness crab cakes, the braised pork belly, and 2 oysters. The sweetbread, in this case thymus, was done excellently, although I am not a huge fan in general. To borrow from Andrew Zimmern, the aftertaste is just mineral-y for me. The crab cakes were good and meaty, although I found the aioli to be lacking in flavor a litle bit. Thankfully the dish was also accompanied by a pomegranate jelly which, although hard to manager, went well with the crab. I'm not sure how i felt about the pork belly. This is a dish that is extremely rich on its own, and it was braised in guiness and sorghum making it even sweeter, and accompanied by a corn pudding, which, again, was sweet. I would have preferred some contrast in the flavors, it was almost like a meaty dessert. In fairness, I did attempt to accompany the pork belly with a glass of H3 Columbia Crest Merlot as suggested by the pairing menu, but the server forgot my wine so I had to finish the dish without it before it got cold. The wine was great when it arrived though, and probably would have evened out the dish. For round two we ordered the escargot, a pork taco, and 2 lobster hush puppies. The lobster hush puppies were outstanding, it was kind of like a lobster crab cake made with cornmeal, very crunchy on the outside and with a tasty sauce and good lobster flavor. My wife said the escargot was excellent and she ate every bite. I passed on those even after multiple attempts by her to get me to try just a small piece, because, snails. I know, shame on me. Hey, I tried the sweetbreads. The taco could have been great, with the exception of its dismal shell. It tasted like a gluten-free organic bran taco shell, bland and lacking in texture. I let my wife try it and and she commented the same thing before I had even mentioned it. Please, change the shell. For dessert we had a chocolate hazelnut petit four cake. This thing was divine, and I don' t even like hazelnuts. Seriously, we destroyed it in about 1 minute, I couldn't even stop eating it to savor it. All in all it was a very good experience. The only service slip up was the wine issue, otherwise service was very helpful and attentive. The atmosphere was very upscale but the staff was friendly and unpretentious. I came to this restaurant with the highest of expectation and I review it with the same, so I debate whether to give it 4 or 5 stars, but I think I have to go with 4, just because a few of the dishes I thought were good, just not exceptional. However, if you like to drink good wine and dine on some creative dishes without breaking the budget, then I highly recommend this place.
(4)Steve R.
I find it hard to think of anywhere else in Louisville right now that is producing food of the quality of Bistro 1860. Granted I have only dined there twice but on both occasions the food was outstanding. The presentation, plating and fresh ingredient and flavour combination in every dish calls out for high praise. Service is equally on the mark whether you are eating at the bar or in the restaurant, being efficient and low key to the point where they seem to be able to anticipate your needs before you know yourself, something few businesses can achieve (tip of the hat here to Singapore Airlines as the benchmark in this area). The wine list spans all price and varietals capably and the cocktail range and inventiveness backed up by the dexterity of the bar staff is impressive. This is a real local gem and a big step up from the venerable L&N. My only single reservation is about the choice of the buildings outside paint colour; a mustard yellow/ochre that in daylight brings you to a grinding halt on first sight. I can't yet decide if I like it for its two finger salute to good taste or if its just plain wrong. Bistro 1860 - Best In Show. Return visit (again) continues to confirm my views on the outstanding food quality here. The extensive menu and specials could in another place give rise to worries of quantity over quality but here it's all done with such finesse. Carry On being outstanding.
(5)