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Name: Proof on Main
Address: 21C Museum Hotel,702 W Main St, Louisville, KY, 40202
Telephone: (502) 217-6360
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.20

Proof on Main

21C Museum Hotel,702 W Main St, Louisville, KY, 40202

(502) 217-6360
Store is closed

Proof on Main Menu

First For The Table

Charred Octopus

Warm Ricotta

Cured Meat Tasting
Appetizers

Ky Sweet Potato Soup

Local Mixed Lettuces

Chickpea & Country Ham Fritters

Woodland Farm Summer Tomato Salad

Ky Bison Tartare
Entrees

Ricotta Gnocchi

Rye Pasta ‘carbonara'

Alaskan Halibut

Pan Roasted Scallops

Marksbury Farm Bone-in Pork Chop

Roasted Marksbury Farm Chicken

Proof Bison Burger

Braised Ky Blue Ribbon Short Rib
Sides For The Table

Crispy Fingerling Potatoes

Braised Farm Greens

Weisenberger Grits
Artisan Cheese

Grayson

Valdeon

Cremeux De Bourgogne

Castelrosso

Fiore Sardo
Dessert

Gelati & Sorbet Tasting

‘i’ll Have Another’

Pretty N’ Pink

Choco-peanut-malt

Healthy Meal suggestions for Proof on Main

First For The Table

Charred Octopus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Warm Ricotta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cured Meat Tasting [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Appetizers

Ky Sweet Potato Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Local Mixed Lettuces [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chickpea & Country Ham Fritters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Woodland Farm Summer Tomato Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ky Bison Tartare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Ricotta Gnocchi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rye Pasta ‘carbonara' [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Alaskan Halibut [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Roasted Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Marksbury Farm Bone-in Pork Chop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Marksbury Farm Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Proof Bison Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Braised Ky Blue Ribbon Short Rib [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides For The Table

Crispy Fingerling Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Braised Farm Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Weisenberger Grits [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Artisan Cheese

Grayson [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Valdeon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cremeux De Bourgogne [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Castelrosso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fiore Sardo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert

Gelati & Sorbet Tasting [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

‘i’ll Have Another’ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pretty N’ Pink [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Choco-peanut-malt [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.

Arby’s ( 3615 Bardstown Rd )

Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.

Arby’s ( 3615 Bardstown Rd )

Write An Anonymous Review

Laine S.

Everything was just OK. My husband and I debated going here (it just seemed like they were trying a little too hard), but after two personal recommendations I decided to take a chance and make reservations for one of the evenings we would be visiting Louisville. We really should have listened to our gut instinct instead. This was apparent when we noticed that the pairing recommendation for the marrow was PBR. This was seriously printed on the menu. It did not appear to be a joke. Ok, so the food: Charred Octopus: This wasn't bad, some bites were cooked well, some were not and were chewy. I felt like the dish had too much oil. Bison Carpaccio: Tasty, probably the best thing we had all night. Little overdressed, but that's forgivable. Turnip Soup: Served alarmingly hot, there were some interesting flavors happening between the turnips and the raisins, but it didn't knock my socks off. Gnocchi & Duck: I ate maybe half. I've seriously had better dishes from a food truck. That's what this tasted like, mediocre food truck mexican. Heritage Pork Chop: My husband said he enjoyed this. Grits: OH MY GOD, IT'S LOUISVILLE, HOW DO YOU SCREW UP GRITS??? I'm from the south, I love grits. These were so incredibly disappointing. Supposedly they had goat cheese, but I couldn't taste any. The lemon was insanely off-putting. Brussels Sprouts: These were pretty good Oh, and I shouldn't forget about the drinks. My cocktail was good, but I ordered an egg white cocktail it was served in a highball, on the rocks, with a straw. People need to stop doing this. I'm ordering an egg white cocktail because I like the taste, not because I think it looks cool but want to avoid it touching my lips. The wine list is where things really fell apart. I just wanted a single glass of wine to go with my entree, but the by-the-glass prices are ridiculous, starting at $13 a glass and going up to $20+. That's high by L.A. standards, by Louisville standards it's obscene. So, we ordered one of the very few reasonably priced bottles .... 5-10 minutes later our server came back to the table and informed us they were out. He offered no suggestion for a suitable alternative, and by the time he came back it was too far into our meal for it to be worthwhile to order another. We passed on dessert. They apparently bring out cotton candy with the check, which is cute and all ... but gimmicky.
(2)
Daniel P.

Great food, friendly staff. Love the atmosphere! Went for pre bachelor party festivities and it was a great way to start the evening.
(4)
Nick O.

I probably expected too much - whatever - they did not live up to the hype. Service was so-so, atmosphere was good but not great and the food was not bad, but not delicious. Sorely disappointed.
(3)
Kelly V.

The whole experience was great. The waiter made awesome recommendations and was very attentive throughout our entire dinner. The only critical comment is the closeness of the tables. There is not enough distance between the tables and it's very easy to get distracted by those siting next to you. But with that said, I will dine there again.
(4)
Maggie Z.

Definitely a 5 star restaurant. Its a beautiful restaurant full of art works, super delicious food, fantastic drinks and great service. We had roasted bones, bison burger and potato gnocchi, all of the dishes are awesome! Love this restaurant~
(5)
Johnny T.

I'm a terrible Louisvillian. How it's taken me this long to come to Proof... I don't know. I've had friends tell me about the place. I've had colleagues rave about it. I've seen it written up in article after article... yet, nothing. I chalk it up to inertia. My trips back home have to be efficient. I have a limited amount of time and many people to see. Going Downtown at this stage and for these trips just isn't that efficient -- unless the people I need to see arrange a trip to Downtown. Then, all bets are off and I'm ready to do some damage to the same stomping grounds that saw me and a friend kicked out of a children's museum for being too rowdy. I'm baack, Main St! And it's a good thing that I'm back because there's a lot to see and do. It makes me so happy to see this part of Downtown (well, really, any part of Downtown) so lively and filled with people. It's been a long time coming and the hometown I remember has made some terrific strides in letting the rest of the world know what's up. 21C (the hotel which houses Proof) is gorgeous. I didn't have the chance to stay in/check out a room, but the lobby, art installations, windows, architecture, and bathrooms (yes, the bathrooms) are are innovative achievements in repurposed awesomeness. If dining at Proof, take some time after your meal to wander about. But, first: eat. There are many plates to try and many plates to share. After perusing the beer list and settling upon a tasty White, my group started in on the plates. For starters, the standouts were the ricotta and the octopus. The ricotta's served warm, with a spicy kick, herbs AND truffle. You'll be fighting over it so ask your server for plenty of crusty bread and a shank for your dining partners. You're not going to want to share. The octopus (and I'm trying to eat less of this animal after realizing that they're intelligent... and terrifying) had a wonderful char and the citrus notes clean it up without making it too busy. The menu changes seasonally, so it's worth going in to Proof a few times a year and seeing what's new. When I was there, I chose the pappardelle with game protein... as did the rest of my party. Unfortunately, all of our dishes were served cold. When we brought this up with the manager, she swung into action, apologized and created new plates for us (after asking if we'd like something else). That's how you handle a bad situation, restaurants. Take note. Given the sweet service, it made sense to end on a sweet note. Again: these options change seasonally and you're not going to want to share. For my visit, I enjoyed the tangerine upside-down cake and the cotton candy. To my dining partners, again, I apologize for stabbing your hands when you attempted to try some of these sugary treats. In all fairness, though, you know I'm an only child. The evidence is in: Proof is legit.
(4)
Alan R.

This place has the best breakfast in downtown Louisville. I am a fan. I just wish that I could get back here more often.
(5)
KeiKei B.

Let me tell y'all this Yelpers: THE SERVICE AT THIS ESTABLISHMENT DESERVES IT'S OWN RATING. Hence the 4 stars. Food alone would be a strong 2 to 3. Our server was Andrew and he assigned himself to our table because the server that had our area was really busy. Not sure. But that is besides the point. Andrew had a crumb snatcher and actually wiped crumbs off our table while we relaxed over cafe au'lait. Love, love him! If I could take him to every restaurant I sat in, life would be Eutopia as I know it. For real. From the beginning the experience was sublime. It was mine and my two co-worker's first visit and we did not know how to get in. Through the glass the host pointed left & waved right to direct us. When we got in front of him he apologized immediately for not meeting us but he pointed at his short sleeved shirt and said "Too summery to be in that 30 degrees but otherwise I would've came and got y'all!" So awesome. He welcomed us and immediately seated us even though we just walked in off the street. He waited until the ladies of the party had sat down and even pulled out our chairs. After everyone was seated he placed menus, welcomed us again and told us that our waiter would be there in a minute. Andrew was there in 5 seconds flat. He greeted us and poured water. He also explained that he was not our waiter but he would be sending our waiter immediately. He also welcomed us and placed our napkins. Not even five minutes later Andrew came back, apologized and explained that our waiter was coming but he would take our orders because he may be back passed the time that Andrew wanted us to wait. He was very knowledgeable about the menu and was honest about what he did not like on the menu. He was also sure to note all HOMEMADE items at each explanation for each of us. I was curious about that but he explained later that he noticed my slight accent and that I was from a Southern region. I did tell him I was from New Orleans and he assured me that it was obvious when I checked in on Yelp that I take food seriously. Score point 4 for Andrew! Ok on to the food. But before that let me tell y'all that I heard the host singing and he was amazing! Shout out to his beautiful tenor. Loved that voice too! Some Yelpers are disappointed and I can see why. The portions are just too tame and minuscule. For the prices there should be more. I felt like my lunch was a large appetizer. I ordered the salmon and veggie cassoulet. Awesome, awesome taste! Squash cooked well and salmon cooked perfectly. The salmon was not dry nor undercooked. The skin had crunch as well. Many think that they should change their menu but I believe they stick to what they know. Could get tired of it if you ate here all the time. All menus are limited. My co-worker had the cauliflower burger and the mixed greens--kale and mustard. Go, go Gadget! The greens were off the chain. Tasted almost like my kitchen. I am sure there are Southern gents in the kitchen at Proof on Main. My other co-worker had the bison burger and fries. Looked yummy and he agreed. The truffle fries were amazing as well. They both ordered dessert. One had the sorghum pudding and the other had the blood orange tart. Smelled yummy and they both cleaned their plates. We ended with the cafe au'lait and were satisfied. Cocktails are very reasonable but I agree with the other Yelpers. Portion size is way to small for the price and the prices are overrated. But goodness the service. I can be very economical but would go to this place just for the service. The food would be secondary. Overall, go here to drink and partake of the wonderful staff and service. Nothing like it in Louisville that I have found so far. Request Andrew every single time!
(4)
Brittney H.

I wish everyone that visits Louisville could see this place. It is truly one of the more unique spaces we have to offer. Let's start with David. There is a 3 story tall golden replica of David outside of the restaurant. Let's just say, you have to stand across the street to really let it marinate. Once you've got an eyeful, move inside. There are some rather curious artistic paintings on the walls and a video that was made specifically for the restaurant that plays on repeat. It is somewhat eerie. Need to use the facilities? Take a stroll to the back of the building. I'd venture to say other Yelpers will tell you specifics about what it is like, but I'd rather you experience it yourself. Don't worry, you won't get hurt. Also, it is attached to the 21C Art Museum, which I believe has rotating art displayed. Lastly, the food and drink. Having only actually eaten there once, I can recommend the only thing I know about it - but with high regard. The Bison Burger and Gin and Tonic. The burger was cooked to perfection and was incredibly flavorful. The tonic is made in-house (same owner and drink as Garage Bar), and is worth the price. And I'm not normally a gin & tonic kinda gal. Go there yourself, and then see why I want you to take your guests there.
(4)
Nicole W.

2.5 stars, rounding to 3 stars for great service and beautiful ambiance. Proof is the equivalent of that chick in high school who is trying too hard - wearing too much makeup and flipping her hair far too often. Proof sure is pretty but it lacks substance. As mentioned, the ambiance is impressive. The exposed brick walls and hanging art installations are gorgeous. And service was pretty close to impeccable. Even though the restaurant can get exceptionally crowded during lunch, our server didn't waver. But the food. Hrmph. To say I was disappointed is putting it mildly. Sure, the menu looks inventive and fresh, and prices match those seemingly innovative dishes. But the flavors fell short for me. The chilled zucchini soup was salty and the texture a bit gritty. I was excited for the crema, pickled cherries, radish and toast (mentioned in the description) but the soup quite literally showcased slivers of all of the above and the flavors were confused. The local mixed greens with shavings of radish pecorino were very tart and none too appetizing. I will say, though, if you're a carb fantatic, their gratis fresh baguette with butter is deeeelicious. I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds it humorous that the free bread was by far the best part of my meal. Suffice it to say that less than 3 hours later I hit up a nearby pizza joint for a slice of cheese because I was still so.hungry. I hate to say Proof is overrated, because this was my first visit, but I just can't see myself heading back any time soon.
(3)
Amanda L.

I've been here a few times, once for dinner and a couple times at the bar. When I had dinner, it was wonderful. Everything was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Proof is expensive and not really in my price range but it's a lovely place to go if you've got extra money or if someone else is footing the bill. The drinks at the bar were great and strong, although I was a bit disappointed by the size of their signature cocktails. I love the decor and the fact that you can walk around with your drink and look at the art exhibits.
(5)
Vincent T.

Very nice and quite good. They really do something unique here
(4)
Michael H.

Proof was fantastic. Although the food was a bit overpriced, it was prepared perfectly. The service was great and the restaurant itself was a wonderfully peaceful place to have breakfast. I would definitely go back if I ever found myself in Louisville again.
(4)
Julie P.

I took my husband here for his birthday. I was trying to find a chefs' table., which Louisville does not seem to have. However, we were in a booth parellel to the kitchen and you could hear as they called out orders, and smell the food as it was given the the waiters. The pork chop with bone in was amazing that my husband had--very succulent and tender. I had the Special which (I wish i'd known the price of!!!), was a bison bone in with pickled strawberries. I think to do it again I would have chosen a different entree as the pork chop was much more tender and flavorful, and the special was far more expensive then I had expected. The set up was great, and the waiter was on top of the service. I was impressed by his quickness to check in and refill our drinks. He brought a birthday gelatto along with the bill that was smooth and still sweet. Oh, and the grits were amazing btw--very rich and cheddary. I don't think I can ever eat Waffle houses' grits ever again!
(4)
Tiffany H.

OH MY GOODNESS...I can't believe I'm saying this, but this was quite possibly the best meal I've ever had...starting with a mint julep and the duck, I'm having a hard time containing myself. Four thumbs up (yes, I'm including my two big toes)
(5)
Alex S.

Interesting and a breath of fresh air. My wife and I finally visited Proof on Main after months of discussion. I will keep it simple for you: the bar is excellent, and if you are looking for a fresh dining experience then check out the restaurant. The staff are very professional, yet friendly, and the atmosphere is certainly trendy with a contemporary art vibe. The dishes themselves are anything but drab. They are works of art in themselves, yet VERY tasty. If you're looking for something different but still a home run, this is your place. I can't wait to go back to try other items.
(5)
David L.

We read a couple negative reviews about the food at this place and couldn't disagree more. We didn't try everything on the menu, but everything we had was great. Highlights: - The grilled cheese was possibly one of the best I've ever had - The desserts all looked amazing, but our S'more was delicious and had toasted wood chips below the dish to give it a campfire feel - really nice touch - The overall experience was great because in between courses we got to check out the art - Service was great too and everyone was very nice
(4)
Maheen F.

Proof on Main has a fabulous atmosphere, amazing art decor and the museum is very unique. The only this is the food is ok. Not bad by far but not what I was expecting. Possibly I will try something a little different next time. Also, I didn't get to experience the hotel rooms which from what I hear are a very different and geared towards couples ;-)
(3)
Liz F.

This restaurant is worth checking out if your in the downtown area, with an upscale artsy atmosphere, You must walk around and check out the decor during your visit All the food looked great, but the bison burger was outstanding! I will definitely get that when I get back. The check comes with cotton candy, which is a nice surprise. I also appreciate a downtown spot with valet parking - less stress before the meal! Overall, a must-try for anyone in the Louisville area!
(4)
Chad C.

Fascinating artwork and great food.
(4)
Bryan X.

Overall, it worth a try for at least once, if you are in Louisville. Not for the food, which is good, but for the museum underground and Martini. Wait, if I continue live in Louisville, I will come here maybe at least 5+ times a year considering the art in the museum is changing seasonally. The crowd is a good mix of chic locals and visitors. It's just the price is a little high, so not a 5 star yet.....but if you have the money, on a business trip or something, then go for it. It is one of the must try restaurant in town. Food: The bison burger recommended by everyone proves to be good! The pasta is interesting but not spectacular. Drinks: I loves the Martini here. Tried two, love both! Lounge: There are really interesting people here, some Europe visitor, bartender from other places drinking here (good sign). I'm recording all the memory in Louisville, before I forget!
(4)
Lora L.

Great place to go if you'd like to a) have a decent meal b) have a great art experience c) hang out at a cool bar with good food - options abound. Just walking around is pleasing because of all of the art but the food was great too and not overpriced. Go for a burger at the bar or scallops in the main dining room - you can control the speed of how casual or swanky you want to be about it. Because it's also a full bar the spirits selection is very respectable with a focus on Bourbon, natch. Selfishly I wish there were a Proof in my city - I'd be there once a month at least!
(5)
Anne L.

I like coming here, but what draws me mostly is the atmosphere and the great cocktails. The waitstaff is consistently superb. The food is not. This is a restaurant that could do with a menu and kitchen overhaul. They cut corners and don't complete processes, resulting in dishes that feel half finished. For example, the squash risotto I recently had there was undercooked and was made from regular rice, not arborio, and featured a paltry tablespoon cubed squash. I suspect that the restaurant lives off of the hotel customers, but this place could be so much better.
(2)
Jules Wolfers D.

Fabulous, upscale food. Drinks, to die for. And the design of the restaurant, I just absolutely love how they do it as an art gallery while you munch on your roasted bones (and that was delishy!)... Granted, the dishes were expensive- but in my opinion, worth the money! What we had tried: New England Scallops (yummy), Marksbury Farm Bone-in Pork Chop, (very good), and for dessert, Chocolate Carmel Tart- oh divine!
(5)
Amber H.

We met up with one of our friends last night for dinner here. The decor first of all is amazing to say the least. They have artwork from local artists covering the walls and in the bar and even in the bathrooms. The waitstaff was very attentive but gave us space, as we were doing lots of catching up with our old friend. We are in the middle of bourbon world, so when in Rome. I ordered a flight of bourbon and the waiter assisted me with knowledge on how to drink and gave me a bourbon "passport" with information on bourbon. We ordered a cheese plate for an appetizer and enjoyed that with bread that was house made. Everything was beautifully presented on a wood cutting board. We then ordered our meals: Bison burger served with Parmesan fries with a Jezebel sauce and the salmon. The food according to the server was taking longer than expected, we didn't notice as our conversation with our friend was so enjoyable but nonetheless, the server brought out a catfish dip appetizer on the chef for the delay. It was served with these crisps and a house made hot sauce that I wanted to drink straight from the bottle. The dip was creamy and had chunks of catfish and the crisps were light and airy and of course super crispy. I was the only one that liked fish so it was mine all mine . Then our food came out and everything was beautifully plated. The burger was beautifully cooked to medium rare and full of juice and flavor. The Jezebel sauce was sweet but added to the flavor of the bison. The fries paired well with the burger but on their own were a tad on the salty side. The salmon was beautifully cooked and tender. They offered dessert but we were all too full. The end of the meal for everyone regardless of ordering dessert is cotton candy. I love that the chef insists that everyone ends their meal with a sweet. The server brings out a soup bowl full of hot pink cotton candy. It was delightful and brought smiles to everyone, bringing us all back to childhood memories. I would recommend Proof to anyone willing to try new things and ready to have a good time!!
(5)
Debbie C.

My go to for a special night on the town. Food is stunning. And the bar is a pretty popular place. Great drinks and specialty cocktails. I like to try the bourbon cocktails. Each year, I meet a friend at Proof for drinks/appetizers on the Friday a week before Christmas. Our tradition and it is fun. People watching, catching up, treated like we're special guests
(5)
Tricia D.

"Where's our penguin, sir?" You know it's a great meal when you can slyly and nonchalantly murmur that to the waiter, and he immediately nods and marches off on a mission to place aforementioned (red, plastic) penguin by your table. What more decor could you ask for? Pinata-like birds hanging off the ceiling? SURE! Six different interior-of-a-car portraits showcasing designer prints (Coach, Fendi, Gucci, etc)? OK! I enjoyed my pork confit, though it was a little small. All the more room for the double chocolate terrine (like a mousse cake) dessert! But whoever had the idea to put those salty, hardened black olives on it should be fired, kthxbye. Otherwise, it was delicious. 3/4 of the table ordered the bison burger, which yelpers (and my dining companions!) loved. Nice special occasion place for dinner.
(4)
Monica F.

One of the best restaurants we had the pleasure of dining at whilst on a massive road trip. Highlights include chicken thigh appetizer and tomato salad app. Great use of Flavor and fair price for excellent food!
(5)
Gary S.

Excellent restaurant, in the 21C Museum Hotel. Cool design. Filled with great art that periodically changes. Creative, Southern-tinged cuisine. Had a Bison Carpaccio appetizer, and a beautiful gnocchi entree. And, of course, a huge bourbon list, both straight, and in cocktails. You can get bourbon flights to sample.
(4)
Missy M.

Visited April 2011. Best meal ever. Or, at least a top 5. Great atmosphere and top notch service. We got to eat with a giant red penguin! I was gonna get a bunch of apps so I could try many plates but our server sold me on the special. My significant otter and I began with the bone marrow app and it's good I don't know any local places thay serve it 'cause it's delicious and I'd easily become an addict. The bison steak was one of the best steaks - bison, beef or other - I've eaten. The otter had a pork chop stuffed and/or smothered in something he really enjoyed. We shared (sorta - I threatened stabbing his hand with my fork at some point) a side of grits that were spectacular. The otter got a creme brulee for dessert and I had a yummy port. Our check was served with cherry vanilla cotton candy - the perfect end to a perfect meal.
(5)
Enia T.

that restaurants like this exist and not only in big cities on either coast gives me hope for this country. warm ricotta as an appetizer should be offered at all restaurants everywhere. it is fantastic. gulf shrimp with lima beans and grilled peaces over risotto? i almost licked my plate. my husband had the burger and offered me bites. it was delicious. love that cotton candy comes out with the check: just enough desert when you're already stuffed from the excellent meal. oh, and the cocktails were amazing as well. we will be back in kentucky solely to stay at the hotel and eat at this restaurant.
(5)
Elizabeth S.

Overall, I think the food here is top notch. You may be tempted to get something fancy on the menu, but stick to the bison burger. I have dreams about it.
(4)
dave w.

this place is "must go" when i visit home. service was excellent and super polite, love the installations throughout the museum/hotel/restaurant. food was perfection. think we ordered too much and felt bad about not finishing the greens. steak was cooked exactly to order. excellent pours on the whiskey. no complaints.
(5)
Lala R.

Always delicious and a fun place to go!
(4)
Matthew D.

Love this place! Drinks are top notch and the food was killer! Bone marrow and bison burger are out of site.
(5)
Kevin B.

Really great lunch experience. Very good layers of flavors. Truffle fries and Shrimp Roll are a must.
(5)
Stephen T.

Great atmosphere with attached art exhibit. Food was excellent, especially the bison steak.
(4)
Diana C.

Was in Louisville for business and stopped in for a late lunch. Wine list was short but were all great quality so I respect that. Food was good but not super -- maybe because I had a shorter lunch menu? I really can't relate to the 5-star reviews here. Food was cooked well so there's obviously talent in the kitchen but flavor wasn't anything spectacular. Love the space though -- it's beautiful. Although it's awkwardly quiet -- I could hear the conversation of the people next to me very clearly. And they were all really obnoxious.
(3)
Julie W.

A friend of mine wanted to check this out for lunch instead of eating the conference food. So, we trecked several blocks and found the restaurant to be a bit "Artsy"? Not complaining though. The service was absolutely wonderful. The host and waiter were very nice. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (w/o anchovies). It was delicious! The salad wasn't drowning in dressing. You'll also be asked if you'd like some bread--delish. Oh, and my friend had Pumpkin Soup. This was wonderful as well. If you make your way to the bathroom, look to your right passed the museum and where there are a set of elevators. Look at the wall. There are letters dropping down and you can virtually "catch" them and make words. It sounds a bit strange, but it's a fun little game and brings out the kid in you. I would definitely go there again.
(5)
Claire B.

God, the food can be so, so, so, so good, but it's also hit or miss! I will have the best pasta ever followed by a "meh" dessert. I've only found one or two drinks I've actually enjoyed. And the wait staff? Where do they disappear? I took my sister-in-law for lunch as a graduation present. We were literally the only people in the place and we STILL barely saw the server. Our food took FOREVER, but no one came to apologize about the wait or even acknowledge that a two course meal took nearly two hours. I consider that "sorry for the wait, here's a drink/appetizer/something on us" wait time. I MIGHT be back for a drink on the urban bourban trail once every couple of years, but otherwise, I think I'm done with Proof. There are too many great restaurants in Louisville to waste your time (and believe me, you will be wasting A LOT of it waiting at Proof) here.
(2)
Bradley N.

Proof. Of what, exactly? That a Kentucky bar and restaurant can serve small plates and creative entrees to rival San Francisco? OK. You've proven THAT. You don't need the bison marrow bones, charred octopus, chevre noir, or pub fries with smoked aioli to show this. That you can create a space hip enough to impress hard core New Yorkers who've been around the block a few times ? Proven that. I shared a table by the bar with them for a couple of hours, and (many drinks later) they told me as much. That you can mix art and eating and elegant beverages as well as in London or Berlin? Definitely there's proof of that. Ask the big red penguin. He'll tell you. That the energy and excitement on a Saturday night makes one yearn for Madrid, Athens, or Rome, where the revelry routinely spills out onto the street? The overflow crowds around the bar and lines to eat in the dining room were proof of that. But, in the end, what does this really prove? That Kentucky isn't a wilderness anymore? Who since Lewis and Clark has thought that? That you can actually have a great meal in the South? Come on. It's 2012. You can find creative chefs, competent servers, and top flight tenders of bar all over the place if you know where to look. Louisville is connected to the world with an international airport and miles after miles of interstates that can pretty much get you anything you desire. What does this really prove anymore? What I like about this place is that it embodies an urban Louisville in renewal, with a lot of excitement and originality in the air, and you can feel that if you walk Main Street or spend a couple of hours in and around Bardstown Road. You can definitely taste it - I recommend the Kentucky Bourbon distillers flight for $20, if you want proof of that. Noahs Mill and Rowans Creek are great examples of what local makers can do. Or order something from the menu that grows locally, like kale or collard greens or grits or winter squash. Try the heirloom livestock raised on their Woodland Farms. The octopus if you must (I did). But don't stop there. Because when I'm in Louisville, I want to BE in Louisville. I don't need to pretend to be in NY, SF, or London. And you don't need to prove that, either. You're good enough the way you are. Stop trying so hard to impress us. Embrace your inner Kentucky and celebrate 21C Louisville. It's sophisticated enough without trying to be something or somewhere else. My sense is that the exec chef and owners already know this. The only question left is where they intend to go from here.
(4)
Melissa W.

We have stayed at 21C and also eaten at Proof many times and always enjoyed the atmosphere and food. Last night we went to the bar for a drink before dinner. We were presented with water and promptly ignored for 15 minutes while one bartender worked like a dog and the other 2 bartenders joked and spoke with one another. We would have never gotten waited on had 2 people sat down next to us, we're immediately served, and the bartender finally made eye contact enough to feel pressured to ask if we wanted a drink. The drinks were fantastic but no offer for a 2nd one.
(3)
Liz F.

After reading some of the rave reviews, maybe my expectations were just too high. Nice bar area and not surprisingly a wonderful assortment of bourbons (which I would have sampled had I been there for a pure recreational trip). Wine list, however, left much to be desired. Sampled the signature bison burger which I ordered medium but was served medium rare - again, fine by me, but many would not have liked that miss. The "Jezebel sauce" which some seem to love was just plain nasty - harsh, I know, but I took one or two tastes of that and nasty is the kindest word choice. Burger flavor was delicious but I should have ordered it without the bacon - added too much saltiness. Fries were good. Heard the dessert menu and they sounded delicious but the burger was huge so I passed. Service was average. Would return but no rush to do so....
(3)
Erich S.

All of the food here is good. My standby was the burger (Bison, mid-rare) and it was always juicy and well executed. Their cocktails and bourbon are among the best in the city, and worth a visit. Plus the whole art-museum-in-a-hotel-and-bar feel is great. To its credit, you don't feel like you are eating/drinking at a hotel bar at all.
(4)
Matt G.

Great place, the art is strange but the food was great! Make sure to make reservations, your you will wait in their art bar.
(5)
Richard L.

I have been here several times over the last three years when visiting Louisville. When visiting the bar, I find that there is an excellent selectioNdola alcohol and very knowledgable bartenders. When visiting for dinner, I find that the waitstaff is very prompt and helpful. I have not tried everything on the menu, but what I have tried deserves the four stars I am posting. I do not normally recommend this, but, whether you are male or female, make sure you visit the restroom.
(4)
Shing H.

Just alright... I had the bison burger with "jezebel sauce," which was sweet with a little bit of kick. I preferred the burger without the sauce, which was served on the side, but it did help change things up a bit after I sort of got tired of the burger by itself. The greens were bacon-y, southern style, and tasted fine but also nothing too special. I also did the panna cotta for dessert -- it was interesting, but I'm not sure I liked it. I didn't actually dislike anything, but overall, I just wasn't too impressed with the food for the price. The service was excellent, though.
(3)
Joanna S.

Best meal I think I have had while living in Kentucky. Fabulous atmosphere and menu selection. Great service too! If you are going to Louisville be sure to give it a try.
(5)
Bryce C.

Very modern twist on southern cuisine. The scene is very cool and the attached museum and 21c hotel make for some fun conversation pieces! Loved the tuna appetizer, the gnocci and buffalo burger entrees, and especially the desserts! Great place.
(5)
Brittany F.

Fantastic restaurant located in the 21c Hotel! It was so good, we ate their twice in a row :) I loved the food and the space, but I wouldn't mind if they got rid of the bug art on the one wall. Perhaps it's just me but I don't want to look at hundreds of bugs on the wall while I eat - even if they are "art" bugs. Service was a little slow but they were really busy. Drinks and food were both great. We had the bison buger (from their local farm), the pork, the duck and the butternut squash soup. All were very flavorful and modernly presented. The only thing I wouldn't order again was the duck. It was a little too rich for me. This chef definitely knows what he is doing and is probably putting out some of the finest food in Louisville.
(5)
Mark W.

Probably my favorite restaurant in the city. Great for dinner, and pretty good for lunch and brunch. Local chef, local farm with fresh ingredients and a seasonal menu. Makes an excellent choice for a date night or going out with friends when you want to get some good food and drinks at an upscale, semi-contemporary venue. Enjoy!
(5)
Eric B.

Proof on Main is, as Harry Zim would say, "a grabber". When reviewing the menu you might feel as though you are being cheated on a classic Louisville dining experience - no rabbit, no bison, no duck to be seen - but ultimately you are only setting yourself up for a most pleasant surprise. Indeed, the whole experience of Proof on Main seems to be to undercut expectations. The dining room is highly casual, loud and almost cafeteria-esque, on display for all of the patrons of 21C and the adjoining museum. But, perhaps, you are intended to be one of the modern art installations, as you revel over the supremely well executed traditional selections on the menu. 21C is playful like that, which is one of its charms. And speaking of playful, be sure to say hello to Great God Pan at the front of the bar - he has a surprise for you, if you know where to look. But I digress. Being Louisville, the cocktails are superb and my noble bourbon boozers will not be disappointed. The bourbon list is modest by Louisville standards but not lacking in quality. Their specialty Manhattan, on offer during National Bourbon Month, consisted of a ridiculously high proof bourbon and Carpano Antica. You can fill in the rest. You can probably still acquire one if you inquire properly. But on to the food; simple, immaculate execution. I started with grilled octopus, and it was nearly, if not the, best I ever had. Charred just enough, it was substantial without being chewy and had a kick of heat from local hot pepper; it was perfect. I followed that with the Roast Chicken, which was similarly perfect in execution - crispy skin and juicy meat, with delicious potatoes and greens. Kelly had the ricotta gnocchi and was similarly pleased. The wine list is well balanced along region and price, and our server was very helpful in assisting me in finding an Old World Italian. There are many interesting options there so do not hesitate to explore. Writing this review and glancing at the menu, it seems that you may have more options for creative carnivore cravings during the fall and winter months, but don't let that stop you from making Proof on Main a summer destination, either.
(5)
Gregg S.

Probably more of a 4.5 but this was my first writeup so I rounded up. Started with a beet salad, that was very good but also very similar to most beet salads I now see on restaurant menus. My wife and I split the ricotta gnocchi special which was excellent. My only complaint was a misunderstanding about the wine.
(5)
David L.

We were staying at the hotel and thought we had to eat here. Was it good yes....was it fantastic...no, but our expectations were high.. The starter we shared of charred squid was exceptional. Full of flavour and taste. We then followed this with a bison tartar, which I was disappointed with. It was not bad, but simply the meat lacked flavour. Being raw and fresh out of the fridge it may have tasted of more had it been at room temperature, but it could be that I got to taste a less than tasty bison and as it is not cooked it was the real unadulterated thing. My partner's yellow fin tuna crudo tasted good. Onto mains....I went for the burger which was cooked rare as I had asked, my only minor dissatisfaction was that the accompanying fries were VERY salty. My partners chicken and dumplings got 10/10. The place was however a little too noisy, nothing the management could do about it, but it made for difficult conversation. The staff were lively and efficient and earned their service. In conclusion...would we go again yes, but perhaps slightly lower our expectations.
(4)
Benjamin R.

This is a belated review as I haven't been there in a few years. But what I remember is great food in a classy atmosphere, with a very interesting mini modern art museum attached to the same building.
(5)
Kathy V.

I went with a couple friends for drinks....the most expensive drink of my life! I like the atmosphere, the location, I love 21C. But it is definitely not a place I can comfortably regularly go to. But, along with our visit, we met up with one of the managers, I believe, who gave us a tour of the museum and offered us a free tasting of the three gelato flavors of the day (the salted carmel...DEvine!) I would love to go back and try some of the food, because the menu looks delicious, but it's just too price-y for me.
(3)
Jerry Ray D.

Not a fan. Food was mediocre at best. Way over priced. My wife took one bite of her hog chop and felt no need to take another. Waiter did ask if we wanted to have it to take home and we declined. He did inquire why, not sure his reasoning behind this, since we told him the taste was not to our satisfaction, he gave the "what ever experience and did not bother to ask if he could replace it with something else. The bourbon made the night tolerable. Will not return to the dinning. Do not buy into to the hype, the place is about as classy as the late night trip to Taco Bell. On a good note, the hostess was awesome. Coming and going. Super nice and introduced the restaurant with a warm smile and pleasant greeting. Our waiter should take note, he was so pretentious he never introduced him himself. Life is not about the money to my wife and I, but if your have been saving for that one night to go out for fine dinning, pass this place up.
(1)
Mike L.

Even though the service was slow, we still gave it 4 stars. We were eating in the lounge since the dining room closes at 2 pm. Anyway, the food was delicious and waiter was very friendly without being annoying. Drinks were great. The place seemed totally hipster, but we didn't hold it against them. A little spend, but we would definitely go back again. parking for the entire area really sucks. Watch out for parking meters in street. They'll take your money but over half of them were broken.
(4)
Jason B.

One of the most unique fine dining experiences in town. Check out the museum at the adjoining 21c museum hotel while you're there. I recently had dinner there and emailed the manager a couple of days before to see if they could accommodate my vegan diet. I received a reply within hours that they could accommodate and have many times in the past. After we arrived and were seated our server got our drink order and informed us of the specials...the most impressive thing is that he also told us about the vegan options (one of which included a chef's whim creation). Amazing! They must have added a note to my reservation. ..something I'm so used to asking about and I didn't have to say a word. The food was incredible. Finally a fine dining experience where I didn't feel like an outcast or bothering the chef. I will be back!
(5)
Kyle S.

Unique. Delicious. Swank. Part art museum, part bar, and part restaurant, Proof on Main is a wonderful blend of metropolitan dining that one would not immediately think of as being available in Louisville, or most Midwestern cities. The menu is not extensive, but offers options that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Those options that the chef puts forth are hurricanes of flavor that range from subtle to brilliant in a single bite. I've been twice and have not been disappointed. I recommend trying something out of your comfort zone. The drink menu, however, is packed and the talented folks behind the bar can mix just about anything you need with fresh ingredients. I particularly enjoyed their extensive selection of bourbons, being that we are in the heart of bourbon country. As some of the other reviewers have pointed out, Proof on Main is a bit pricier than many places. However, it is a great place to go with someone special if you're ready to really indulge. So, toss on your best clothes, take out your best girl or guy and enjoy one of the best restaurants in the US!
(5)
Elizabeth M.

Excellent, upscale food in a fun environment. I had a chilled asparagus soup with spoonfish caviar, as well as royal red shrimp with basil hush puppies, fennel, and grapefruit. Both were excellent--the shrimp itself was some of the best I've ever had. They have an extensive drink list, with delicious cocktails (lots of bourbon on the menu, of course). And the prices are quite reasonable. To top it all off, you've got the art--all throughout the restaurant (even in the bathroom), as well as a large gallery in the back. (If your friends go to the restroom during the meal, don't be surprised if they're gone for a long time!) I'm so glad this place was suggested to me. I'd love to return, especially for brunch!
(5)
Christopher W.

This was one of our stops on the Urban Bourbon Tour. We didn't eat anything. Two of us ordered a flight of bourbons and the two girls ordered cocktails. We were probably here for a total of 2 hours on a Sunday. The entire staff was great. They even let one of the big penguins join us. Would definitely recommend stopping here for at least a cocktail. It was our favorite stop on the Urban Bourbon Tour.
(5)
Dan G.

We always stay at the the 21C right next door and the best thing besides the Penguins is that Proof is right next door. We have been here several times and it is consistently excellent. They have a nice little bar/lounge set up that of course has a nice selection of bourbons. The decor and art are really swanky and cool. I love the bronze sculpture at the end of the bar. The menu takes advantage of seasonal local offerings and is well executed. My wife had the Beet and goat cheese risotto and I had the Bison burger with Tilamook Cheddar and bacon that came out good and bloody. This is a great restaurant, you can't go wrong here.
(5)
Christopher S.

4.5 ****/* This restaurant has 45 reviews, with the majority of ratings between 4-5 stars. You can read on for yourself about this great place. Very cool vibe with excellent service. I found the menu to be a combination of Italian and Southern style cooking. I had the pan roasted pork chop and Brussels sprouts. The Brussels sprouts were killer and the pork cooked to perfection. They offer a very unique selection of appetizers. Wine list was excellent and the prices fair. The food presentation was beautiful and the food was perfectly prepared. Great place to try Bison if you have never had it before. The restaurant is attached to a unique hotel called C21 featuring art work everywhere. Great bar and a Bourbon whiskey drinkers heaven with a massive selection to choose from. Excellent price/value relationship at this unique establishment.
(4)
Lochin S.

maybe the bar is cool and drinks are fine. However breakfast was a dissappointment. after waiting and waiting, finally took our order. out of what I wanted. then we waited over an hour for our food. quality was mediocre. The octopus was over garlic and not enougth to fill me up.
(3)
Diane Z.

I had a great time at proof. We started our meal with the warm ricotta and bison carpaccio. They were both delicious. I would strongly recommend the carpaccio. I got the scallops. I usually don't finish my meal, but I finished my full meal and was still hungry. The scallops were great,but it seemed like it was missing something. The service was great and it was really nice to see the artwork after dinner
(5)
Antonio S.

Went here on my Birthday back in November. I really don't know how to classify this place - very intriguing to say the least. Food-wise, it was very 'different' and very untraditional. Prices were pretty steep as well. Aside from that, customer service was good, and the ambiance was fun and upbeat. Love the artwork everywhere and loved being able to go around and explore. Definitely worth coming back to for that reason alone.
(3)
Allison S.

good too try for the experience, but the food is not up to par with the price. The contemporary art decor is very interesting and creates a cool trendy vibe for Louisville. The eclectic menu has a lot of great options. The spinach salad is just very average, and while I read so much about the charred octopus, it wasnt as good as I expected. I love octopus, and the sauce was really good, but the pieces were very small. The chicken was very average nothing special especially for the price. The bison burger- what it is most well known for is good. For 17 dollars in louisville you would expect it to be on special bread but the bread almost made me not even like the burger! The bacon and cheese on it is good, and also the marmalade was good with it. The fries were very average, there are so many other fries I would rather eat if I am going to waste the calories on fries. The chocolate tort was probably the most interesting part. The chocolate cake part was very small, but delicious. It had a bit of caramel smeared on the plate, sprinkled with sea salt with dried, crispy olives on top with a side of olive oil ice cream. very interesting combo. Good place to try when visiting the city for a nice meal.
(4)
Frank S.

Some restaurant reputations are greater than the food served. This is the case with Proof. Better restaurants than Proof all over Louisville.
(3)
Jocelyn L.

"One of the best restaurants i've been to in the south; went there 2x when i was there for a conference. A tad pricey for Louisville standards, but food can rival the 4* restaurants in SF and LA...everything i had there was delicious. Good service too. Located in a funky museum hotel (21C Museum Hotel) with fun exhibits. Nice ambience too. Definitely worth a visit when you're in Louisville. Skip cheesy 4th street."
(4)
Jeff N.

After the folks at Jack Fry's lost my reservation for April 25th (and about $500 in revenue) we scrambled to find a replacement for dinner. I will call Proof on Main more than just a meal, it is a dining/entertaining experience. Once seated in this modern/bistro looking place, your attention is immediately drawn to the unique, strange, and/or disturbing artwork adorning the walls. Effigies of goats hanging by a noose and pictures of children (somewhat exploitative) create conversation. A bit of a distraction to the very good food and drinks. The Bison Burger ordered by two of us seemed to get the most oohs and aahs. Four of us ordered the large tenderloin ($36) and it was good, but not great. Menu has some interesting items for those who like a change of pace. Our trip to the bathroom meant passing thru an art gallery, where more strange and disturbing exhibits were to be found. In the men's room are small video 'tiles' over the sink with actual footage of eyeballs of blind people. I don't necessarily like this strange type of art and would not seek it out, but to have it as part of a unique 'experience' made it worthwhile. On balance I would have to recommend Proof to all except the squeamish.
(4)
Betsy H.

The food doesn't even have to be good to make this place awesome....but it is! Just going to the bathroom makes this restaurant more of an adventure then you would ever expect. Try the flight of bourbon and homemade sorbet
(5)
Ivy C.

After moving to Louisville from first Miami, then Los Angeles, I was in a bit of despair about the lack of food variety/quality in this city. However, after hearing several recommendations for Proof on Main, I finally decided to try it out. The food was great, the drinks were great, the atmosphere was so chic and fun, it's attached to funky cool 21C art museum/hotel, they upgraded our dessert and served us hot pink cotton candy in a cup... what's not to love? xoxo Proof makes me happy.
(5)
jilian p.

After all the hype in a recent issue of Imbibe magazine for their cocktails, my brother and I headed to this eatery on a recent trip to Kentucky (to explore the bourbon trail). My brother is very into making cocktails, and I am very into drinking them so we had high expectations for this place. The artwork in the bar was interesting, but I have to say, that was the best part of our experience. This place boasts about making their own tonic water; however, the tonic was insanely sweet and had absolutely no carbonation. Neither of us are a fan of sweet drinks, so perhaps that was the problem. My brother originally ordered a gin and tonic, and I ordered a sour on their menu made with gin and rosemary. Both drinks were too sweet, and honestly stomach turning. It took over 20 minutes to get the drinks, and the bar was beginning to smell like chlorine or some other cleaning chemical while we waited. The waitress must have noticed our faces upon sipping our drinks, because she offered to fetch us something different. This was a nice touch, but it was another 20 minutes until the bourbon on ice my brother ordered came to our table. The food in the place actually looked pretty good, but we were so turned off by our drinks, that we decided to move on to a different place. If you are looking for a good cocktail, don't by into the hype...this is not the place.
(2)
Marianne C.

It's always a good day when you discover a new drink...I recommend the GOLD RUSH, which is made with Maker's, honey, and lemon.
(4)
Stitchy M.

The best dinner & service I have ever had.... in my life. After dinner, I wandered into the attached exhibit/museum. It was fabulous. I felt like I was in Manhattan, not Louisville! Started off with a cosmopolitan, I think because the pink lights got me in a pinky mood. I ordered the nightly special, pork milanese. Thinly breaded strips of tender juicy pork served over arugula, drizzled with olive oil & balsamic vinaigrette, and sprinkled with cheese. Accompanied with a fabulous red wine, Santa Lucia (that's all I remember!) For dessert, I had Pot de Creme. It had Bailey's in it. Love this place. I seriously might go back to KY just to eat here!
(5)
Justin L.

Proof on Main marries perfectly with the hotel, 21 Museum Hotel, which it's located within. It is a chic and fun restaurant with an amazing menu! We ordered so much food that I couldn't begin to review all of it. But, I had the pork chop and I'd highly recommend it. Also, the bison burger looked fantastic. The service is first-class. If you're just looking for a few drinks, the bar is great. It is adorned with art to match the hotel/museum and has comfy couches to lounge on. Next time I'm in Louisville, I will definitely be stopping back by Proof on Main.
(4)
Emily S.

Saturday night and an open table for four at the bar, score! After a night of dinner and the Downs, we went to Proof for cocktails and bar food. Their bar menu is better than many restaurants' dinner menu. We had the octopus, which was spicier than I remembered, but we still ate it all, plus fries, and a cheese-and-meat plate. The waitress was attentive and remembered the entire order with no note pad. Another server recognized my cocktail by the empty glass and asked if I wanted another. It is pricey but worth it. I'd rather pay more for something I know is delicious and eat it all then pay less for something we'd just pick at. And nothing too heavy for late-evening eating.
(5)
Jay W.

Once again, we enjoyed a most delicious dinner at Proof. The green salad and beet salad were awesome each with their own twist. All ingredients were fresh and flavorful. The smoked salmon pasta entre was quite enjoyable, but the sauteed spinach was seasoned and prepared to perfection. Ofcourse the street scape, art murals, mirrors, and lighting make this venue a place to experience on Main St in Louisville. We keep pinching ourselves: are we really in Louisville?
(4)
Lana H.

Went here for a political dinner this summer during the NCSL conference. We had a large party, but the food was good, though the service was a bit slow. Would like to go back when I am with a smaller party. Interesting decor.
(4)
Happiness L.

Finally! Got here for dinner. Yeah! So yummy and the service was awesome. Do not miss this place...one of my favorite meals...ever!
(5)
Les M.

Fantastic food wrapped in a fascinating hotel. Every selection has been superb. I suggest their take on eggs benedict for breakfast (served on a grit cake), their bison burger for lunch, and the lamb shank for dinner. Need a nibble from the bar, go for the Octopus Bagna Cauda.
(5)
Emily Y.

Sept. 2010: This is the most consistently good restaurant that we've tried so far in lville of this kind. No it's not cheap, but the portions are decent, the ingredients are fresh and the flavors are deliberate and well pair. Husband highly recommends the pork dish. My 2 cents is to save room for the molten chocolate cake if they have it on the menu. Modern decor with access to the modern art exhibits for after dinner. (this place also gets extra points for the cotton candy that comes out with the check). Aug. 2011: I am chaing our star rating for Proof from a 4 to a 5. We've now been here a handful of times. The food is always good. The last few times, we've made reservations for an earlier dinner (5:30-6ish), and brought along our daughter who is under 1 years old. The staff is always so friendly and attentive, and we feel comfortable brining our baby to such a nice restaurant. Also an update on the dessert: DO NOT SKIP THE GELATO/SORBET offerings! I've figured out what days they have the "icecream" vendor outside on the sidewalk, and I have to admit that I've made a couple of special trips downtown just to get the stuff. I think I might even like it better than Comfy Cow? (though the jury is still out on that one).
(5)
Gfiddy F.

Great cocktails, steak, wine, vanilla cake - everything.
(5)
William G.

The food was not bad, but nothing exquisite for the price either. Also, the seating was crowded and the area fairly loud. It isn't a bad place by any means, and I imagine one of the top fine dining spots in Louisville, but for the money, I expect a dining experience that is a little more comfortable than Proof offered. Their grass-fed Kentucky bison is their specialty and I do recommend it if you wind up giving Proof a try.
(3)
J H.

The atmosphere is great. It's attached to an art gallery, and just by looking at the place, it held great promise. That is, until we sat down. When the food arrived, all 5 plates were luke warm at best. We flagged her down to let her know - and it seemed like she could care less. Any restaurant i've ever worked in, or been to - if the food hits the table, it's considered contaminated and must NOT be allowed back to the kitchen. Apparently, that's not the case here at Proof. I sent my "Bison Burger" back, and my co-worker sent back his steak. THEY PUT THE FOOD BACK ON THE GRILL AFTER IT SAT ON THE TABLE FOR 5 MINUTES. The manager even confessed that, in the interest of saving time - they often just re-heated the food if it wasn't hot enough. HOW DISGUSTING. I REFUSED TO EAT ANYTHING AFTER THIS. He offered a few excuses, and returned with a comped check. No empathy, no apology, no offer to have it re-cooked. The kitchen may look clean, but they'll re-cook your food if they make a mistake.
(1)
Jeremy P.

Maybe my favorite restaurant in Louisville. Beautiful interior, top-notch service, pretty people, pictures of boobs on the wall at the bar (well, I liked them). So this will be a review where I just list what I love: succulent octopus appetizer, subtle smooth tuna appetizer, bison burger extraordinaire, pork medallion special was perfect, jalapeno margarita, DO NOT SKIP THE GELATO!!! My favorite flavors were chocolate malt and sea salt caramel. I suggested Proof to my boss when he was bringing a big named guest to town. I spoke with the guest the day after, and he said," I travel a lot, and Proof would be considered top-notch in any city anywhere". 'Nuff said.
(5)
brendan j.

proof is easily in my top 2-3 restaurants in louisville. since moving here from SF a few years ago, i have been eating at proof 2-3 times a month and have always had top notch food and cocktails. while the menu changes a lot, the salumi appetizer plate is a constant and is one of the best i have ever had. other appetizers, entrees (steak and eggs is amazing), and desserts (amazing homemade gelato) never dissapoint. wait staff is great, with a casual attitude, but professional in what they are doing. when i have one shot to take someone new to louisville out to dinner, proof is always my first choice.
(5)
Alf A.

Consistently delicious! Proof's commitment to fresh ingredients in combination with it's melodious southern flavors delights every time.
(5)
Mary Y.

Exquisite. I have enjoyed every meal I've had here. The roasted bison bone marrow with spicy chutney just makes me go all a quiver. Not to be missed is the rabbit pate and octopus. Sinful and amazing. I want Proof to be my lover.
(5)
C L.

Three Things I like about Kentucky... 1. Jim Beam 2. People call you ma'am and you don't feel like an old lady 3. Louisville, specifically proof on Main After getting off the plane in Louisville, the first man I see was about 65 with long gray wooly hair and a confederate flag skull cap. Pause. Don't let Betty Boop fool you, as a black woman, I was not pleased, and was bemoaning my trip to Louisville. Then I went to dinner... Proof on Main is in the 21C Hotel in the arts district downtown. The food was an eclectic mix of Italian and nouveau American, with a dining room looked like a museum itself with art adorning the walls including a Bill Viola-like video installation on the wall. For me a meal is all about the ambiance and I simply adored the design. The food held up to the beautiful decor. Our group enjoyed a pumpkin ale followed by fig martinis and a jalapeno/pineapple signature martini--sounds strange and it was, but good. The cheese plate included Humboldt Fog (my fave) served with a truffle infused honey and other adornments that were delicious. My favorite appetizer was their chickpea/ham fritters. They were served on a small plate on top of printed paper almost as a nod to traditional fish & chips. Delicious! Main courses included risotto, scallops, steak, and the meal ended with a chocolate/caramel bread pudding that was so decadent, I wished I hadn't eaten so much before dessert. The real show stopper here is the gallery attached to the restaurant., it was so awesome I had to write a separate review! If you live in Louisville, I'm jealous you have this place! If you visit, you must go here.
(5)
Naomi M.

Our visit happened to coincide with the 2nd anniversary of 21C. This was the best meal I've had in at least two years, and certainly the best ever in a hotel anywhere. We had the charcuterie sampler to start, an intermezzo of the risotto and the grits, the bass entree and the new york strip, and the apple fritters and cheese course. Everything was exceptional, except for the risotto, which was overcooked. We chalked this up to the kitchen running out of the original risotto and a rush job dampening an otherwise brilliant on the fly version. The grits were AMAZING, creamy and perfectly seasoned. The check arrived with a dish of fresh cotton candy. The service was impeccable. Whenever the waitress, Jennifer, didn't know something, she went to find an answer. My glass was always full, my plate cleared promptly but not so quickly I felt rushed, she bantered easily with my husband who is prone to chatting about the industry. The theme of the gallery follows into the restaurant and the space is as engaging for its food as it is for the art on the walls. I could not have asked for a better spot to celebrate my 30th and I know we'll be trekking back from Chicago to Louisville for nothing else than this restaurant.
(5)
Tilda W.

Could not WAIT to eat here after seeing Food & Dining Magazine's Louisville edition cover photo of their gorgeous bison carpaccio! So when we asked our waiter why it wasn't on the menu one packed late August Thursday night, he told our six-foodie group that Proof 'just didn't have enough good bison' to serve the dish. Hello? Restaurant owner Steve Wilson's Woodland Farm is quoted as having a 260-cabeza-strong herd of near two-tonners and no bison carpaccio on the menu? And it's the lone dish featured on a magazine cover in circulation from Aug. through October all over town and in hotels?! WT....? OK, onward. Octopus bagna cauda other Yelpers have liked inexplicably arrives breaded and fried to overcrispy. Perhaps the pool of "cauda" oil in the cast iron mini-skillet was a take on this Piemontese classic. Edible, but disappointing; the lime toast not working. Undeterred, bone marrow was next up. It's served with a fork (want to guess what the waiter said when we asked for marrow spoons?) and a cidery mustard that clashed and overpowered the marrow flavor. Way more gelatinous than marrows we've had before. It was a poor start but we got into some better dishes with farm egg raviolo, excellent whipped ricotta, full charcuterie plate, veg sides, halibut, chicken and other mains. Despite the lame carpaccio script, the wait staff did an excellent job. For drinks, try the refreshing 'old-fashion root beer' signature cocktail with sassafras. Wine list is good and includes a couple (overpriced) Spanish favorites. By-the-glass choices included a nice Verdejo and Viognier. K Vintners Syrah was delicious, but too big an outlaw for most of the dishes. The room is bustling, the crowd and decor metro-hip. Definitely tour the hotel lobby and art collection. The tornado of junk, 'dripping' water, the couple 'under the covers' on the lobby floor and other multi-media pieces are pretty cool. If you missed Philippe Starck's (NYC) Royalton back in the day, you might dig the voyeuristic wall-o'-water bathrooms too. We'd give it another chance if ever back in KY - and gave it an extra star because it is. Maybe they'll find some carpaccio-worthy bison by then or perhaps a couple of marrow spoons that got caught up in the junk tornado.
(4)
L. R.

Stayed at the 21 C Museum (voted the best hotel in America by Conde Nast) and ate Saturday night at Proof. What was good - We weren't too hungry so I just got some of the celery root soup with pear puree and a salad. The soup was fantastic. The salad, not so much - just a salad but they used different greens and for that they get a star. What wasn't so good - Husband had garganelli pasta. The pasta was cooked perfectly but was a tad dry. It's not such a huge portion that you want to nap afterwards and that was good. Wine - $16 a glass. Waiters dressed in jeans, one girl serving bread had holes in her tights, some waiters looked rather sloppy. The service is somewhat lacking. When you pay those prices, you should get a little more attention. Also didn't like the statues of hanging goats in the dining room - how unappetizing. What was great - Tried it again the next morning for breakfast. The ricotta-lemon pancakes are so good, they melt in your mouth. The peasant potatoes are delicious as well. I'd try them again to see if I could change this to 5 stars.
(3)
Tim O.

I'm usually not a fan of hotel restaurants, but this is a great one! Beautiful decor and very interesting food. I had a rabbit in pasta dish that was very good, and for breakfast today I had an incredibly unique smoked fish and eggs dish that was wonderful. Good wine list that is reasonably priced.
(4)
Candyce P.

I was in town for one night this past Monday and happened to have a friend to meet up for dinner. He suggested Proof and, after peeping the menu online, happily accepted. We got there around 6:30pm without a reservation. About half the restaurant was full, but we were seated immediately. The restaurant itself is in the 21C Hotel, and also an art gallery, so it has beautiful decor. I started with my drink order: Fig Vodka Martini. It was sweet, very sweet, but really delicious too with tiny bits of crushed ice that killed the sweetness a bit. Nice start. We chose the Bison Marrow appetizer to be brave. The dish was 3 bones with a little side salad, preserves and toast. It was really good! The marrow was almost like a butter/oil mixture on the toast. With a little sprinkling of salt onto it, it was delicious. I didn't even try the preserves or salad. We both chose their Monday special as our entree: Bucatini Carbonara = one of my top five favorite dishes ever. This one didn't disappoint. The pasta was cooked well, good amount of pancetta, pecorino and black pepper. Towards halfway through the dish, I started picking out the pancetta bits. :) It was my friend's first time trying the dish, and he liked it too. We also got a side dish of brussel sprouts... I loved my carbonara so much, I forgot all about it. My friend had a few and said it was good. Now that I look back at the menu, and see what was in the sprouts dish, I should've tried it! Next time. :) We then shared the pumpkin tiramisu and were both disappointed. It wasn't creamy enough... almost a bit watery to me, and for it being a pumpkin dessert, I didn't get a lot of pumpkin flavor either. Oh well, the drinks made up for it! :) We moved over to the bar after, and had another drink each. I tried the French Martini (my fave) and it was good! They definitely don't skimp on the alcohol. Once we got into the car, I looked at the clock and it was 11:30p! That's the sign of a great dinner - when you don't realize you're at the place for hours on end! Overall, if you're in Louisville, I'd highly recommend Proof. Also, make sure you check out the gallery on the way to the restrooms. :)
(4)
Jesse W.

1/1/09: I wanted to like this place. it had a unique ambiance and setup that really makes it stand out. We came on new year's day for brunch and clearly there was some chaos amongst the staff as our experience reflects. our overall service was exceptionally slow and included getting the wrong menu at seating and only having the correct menus handed to us fifteen minutes later (during the brunch service, their breakfast menu is not used). when we were initially seated, the restaurant was quite empty with maybe 10% of the tables filled. after placing our order, we watched the entire place fill up and people around us get their food served ahead of us! we waited for 70 minutes (from initial seating) for our food to arrive. I WAS PISSED. Our server, b******y (thanks for including your name on the receipt) was out of it, I'm guessing s/he was hungover from the countdown last night. In the end, i did enjoy the food, except for the cornbread appetizer that only arrived after we finished our entire meal (UGH). the menu sold it as something that you share with others at the table, however when it arrived, it was just an $8.00 slice (WAY TOO EXPENSIVE and impossible to share). Finally, the real kicker was when I was at home cleaning out my wallet and only realized that s/he overcharged our meal (I should have looked closer at the bill). UGH. Food = OK (too upset to enjoy it), Service = VERY POOR.
(2)
ewa j.

I have had the pleasure to dine and wine at Proof several times. It has always been a pleasant experience. The service is impeccable. Food is amazing (seasonal menu) and drinks are fantastic. The bartenders are true mixologists and they carry a wide variety of high-end alcohol. The Salumi plate is amazing. The place is great for a full on dinner or just a glass of wine and an appetizer and people watching. I will keep on coming back.
(5)
Reba P.

If you think I went to this restaurant for the food, you are mistaken. I went to this restaurant because of the museum attached to the hotel it is attached to. If you like finding the "racey" side of things, this would be a place to be. Uh-oh, that intro, and the 3 stars, probably tells you about my dining experience in a nutshell. The food was VERY good, probably very worth a 4 star. However, I AM the service snob. Service was sporadic here. Reggie, who greeted us at the door was open and engaging. Then disappeared. The server, who evah, since we never got her name, was slow. Slow to ask for our order. Slow to come back to get our order once we decided. slow giving descriptions, I don't mean just her pacing, just she was either distracted or something! Slow to return to the table to see how things were going, and slow with the check. She wasn't slow to blow us off. She didn't even bother to bring us our compementary puf of cotton candy, which I told her quite early into the evening that I would love to have. Long story shorter, the Bison was amazing! The cured meats for appetizer were quite frankly heavenly. The bison was wonderful, cooked nicely for our order. I would definitely go again, reserve more time for the tour, and not look forward to the food quite as much.quite as much more to come....
(3)
Scott H.

Our cab dropped us off at the wrong door so we had to wind our way through the museum to get to the restaurant, so glad we did. The Mens room is the coolest thing! There is something so wrong about it that it is just so right. Once we found the restaurant we were greeted by a very friendly host and hostess, things were looking good. I had already looked up the menu and yes, i had to Google 3 out of every 5 ingredients - it could really be simplified. Our waiter appeared about 15 minutes after we were seated to get a drink order, yes, it stayed this way. Our waiter answered menu questions sounding very exasperated and condescendingly while looking about the room, was clearly rushed and had nothing to offer the dining experience. We placed our order, food runners promptly brought our dishes, were very nice, filled our waters but our waiter never returned to offer more cocktails, inquire about our dishes or offer coffee or desert, just brought our check. I always look for signs of management when service isn't at the forefront, I saw the very well dressed manager pass our table at least 20 times but never stopped to ask about our food, empty cocktail glasses or if we needed anything. I noticed other servers were much more proficient and will visit again but if the same server approaches the table, I would ask for a different server and could write a much better review.
(3)
C H.

Absolutely fantastic. Excellent drinks, and a very tasty dinner. One of the most memorable meals I've had this year.
(5)
Danny B.

I visited Louisville recently, and this was one of two restaurants I went to while there. Proof on Main supposedly came as "can't-miss" recommendation from a federal congressman who lives nearby. We had made reservations for a party of four (all guys), and were seated promptly in the main dining room upon arrival. The other Yelp reviews already do good service to the restaurants decor and atmosphere. Proof on Main is definitely going for "Hip/Trendy", and they pull it off well without seeming fake or ostentacious. The journey to the restroom was an experience in intself, taking me through an adjacent hotel lobby that was more art museum than hotel. I'll break this review into a few different areas that I think deserve note: Service: the weak point of our evening. Our water was poured quickly after being seated, but it took quite awhile for somebody to come around to take drink orders and food orders. Our primary waiter was a very friendly guy, but just seemed out of it that night. Our main service problems were: 1. Took a long time to get anything on the table after sitting down 2. We ordered a round of drinks (the house bourbon, more on that below), and also each ordered an entree and a bottle of wine for the table to be served with the entrees. The bourbon arrived, and then the entrees arrived by a food server just a few minutes later. We'd barely had the chance to enjoy the bourbon. 3. After the entrees had been sitting on our table for 10-15 minutes (literally), our waiter finally shows up to check on this, and we remind him of the wine. He appears flummoxed, scrambles back toward the kitchen, and comes back about 5 minutes later with the wine in a decanter. So basically, my food was in front of me for nearly 20 minutes before the wine pairing was in front of me. Not good! I politely pointed out these issues to the waiter when the wine finally came, and he appeared a bit embarassed. I don't think he was a bad waiter (he seemed experienced), but he was just having a nice night. He was very generous in ringing up our final bill to make up for these lapses, which was much appreciated. Cocktails/Wine Selection: the cocktail menu was nothing to write home about, but I don't really care about house-created drinks. Wine menu was thorough without being unnecessarily long. Good mix of inexpensive and expensive selections. We each got a pour of bourbon that is supposedly distilled just for this restaurant - it was outstanding, and I'd like to call the restaurant to get some more details on it. Only complaint is that the pour was a little light, not even a two-finger pour. Price was typical for a high-end trendy restaurant, at $12 or $13 per glass. Food: I don't have much to offer on the food, since all we ordered were entrees, and we all got the same thing (Ribeye with marrow butter, accompanied by shoestring french fries and arugula with a lemon vinaigrette dressing). Two of us ordered rare, one ordered medium rare, and one ordered medium. They all came out the same temperature, around a medium. The actual ribeye cuts weren't very impressive in size (I'm guessing ~12oz., maybe about 3/4-inch thick), which might explain why they weren't able to achieve a "rare" temperature. Still, the steaks were very well seasoned (salt flavor permeated even the middle of the steak), and the marrow butter added the perfect unhealthy touch. I probably wouldn't get this dish again, but this is what I always end up thinking when I order a steak from a non-steakhouse. The seafood dishes probably would have been a better selection for judging the chef's skills. French fries and arugula salad were delicious, though one companion complained that the lemon dressing was a poor complement to the steak disk (I disagreed). Dessert: two of my companions ordered the house specialty vanilla bread pudding, and they loved it. Nothing on the dessert menu really shouted out to me, so I abstained. Overall: I think this is probably a great restaurant, and that the service was just off. We also could have gotten a better perspective if we had ordered a greater variety of the menu, or tried anything from the first course menu. I give the atmosphere 4-5 stars. For the food and drinks I actually tried, I'd rate it a 4. The service we actually received was probably a 3, but since they were so nice about adjusting the bill, and since I think this was more the exception than the rule, I didn't let that affect my overall rating of four stars.
(4)
Michael P.

My friend had been here before and spoke very highly of it. I was not let down at all. We arrived a little early so we went to the bar and ordered a drink then walked through the exhibits in the hotel which were awesome! We were then promptly seated and greeted by our server. I felt bad for him because he might've been new and another server kept stepping up to plate for him noticing that he would have forgotten to give us bread, or bring our drinks and stuff like that but we didn't mind I mean, everyone has to get into their groove in a new job. He was great otherwise and helpful with what we ordered. Food was great! I ate every last bite. Atmosphere was really cool. Seemed a lot more like home (Chicago) or New York than Louisville. It was also very easy to talk to everyone sitting around. Very friendly environment. Sat right next to a couple from LA to my right and on my left were locals who were really excited about trying Proof for the first time. And the the table over from them were some cool guys from Chicago as well. Had fun talking to everyone and when we were done, we went back to the bar and requested they put the Cubs game on the one TV they had there and despite it being a full bar, they didn't mind and quickly put it on. We had a few drinks there and summed up a really great experience. I will definitely go back to Proof!
(5)
ninja p.

it's really hit or miss. mostly, the food is just okay - far better than TFIG but i wouldn't call it fine dinning. the decor and vibe is fun and i love the cotton candy w the check! the excellent things are: there was an all veggie pasta dish that was awesome !! my friend that likes martinis said they are really excellent here too. a bit pricey considering ...
(3)
Margot S.

We had a reservation, the dining room was half empty, but they sat us in the back corner near the servers and the kitchen. Hmmm. Were we that under dressed? :) Anyways, the food was pretty good... Thought we would like it more. The prawns were served with heads and tails on. Difficult to dissect and eat. Corn soup had good flavor but texture was off. Grilled bison was cooked perfectly. Potatoes were crunchy (as in raw). Cookie and mini shake were delicious! Cotton candy with the bill was a fun touch. Overall a good meal, but nothing I felt especially passionate about.
(4)
Jen M.

Cool art, great atmosphere. It's a perfect place to grab drinks and a light dinner with your co-workers at the end of the day.
(4)
Manish V.

Horrible Mint Julep and at $10 a pop WAY too expensive for what I got.
(1)
Kathy M.

I tried the classic mint julep and I'd have to say it was excellent! We ordered the proof fries, smoked ky catfish dip and bison meatballs. We enjoyed all of our appetizers and wouldn't hesitate to order any of them again. It's a very cool bar with an eclectic menu, so you might have to pay a little more than some other places, but we enjoyed our visit and thought it was worth it. The staff was very knowledgeable about their food and alcohol selections as well as the Urban Bourbon Trail. The museum was fun to look through if you have the time and a trip to the restrooms in the lobby would certainly be worth your time!
(4)
Dianne S.

From start to finish our dinner at Proof was absolutely amazing. Our server, Lou, was super attentive and answered all our questions. Loved that the restaurant was surrounded by art and right outside its doors was a small art museum. The quirky little red penguin statues that would be occasionally moved by servers was also a fun touch! For starters we had the charred octopus served on a small cast iron dish. This was exactly what I wanted! Perfectly cooked octopus with a zesty and salty line finish. We also ordered the heirloom tomato salad with a ricotta smear. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe and sweet! For our entree we shared the hog neck ragu farfalle with leaves of arugula. I love fresh homemade pasta and the ragu had so much intense flavor! To top off this amazing experience, they'll bring you a huge plateful of pink cotton candy with your check. Damn. They did it.
(5)
Thao T.

Chances are if you're looking at the menu before heading here, you'll have to google every other word on the menu. I seriously think they use a culinary thesaurus just to write the menu! Proof is one of those restaurants where I enjoyed the appetizers much more than the dessert. The grilled octopus, bone marrows (huge), beets salad, and the chicken liver tart (small) were all delicious and creative. The entree came out just a tad disappointing. I had the Farfalle with hog neck, yeah it's just bow-tie pasta with pulled pork. I didn't like the tartness of the dish or the combination with the cheese. The Celeriac or celery root had all the flavor of a celery stick, interesting to try but the bitterness of the root made it hard to enjoy no matter what other fancy veggies they add to the dish. It was also a shame to poach the salmon, it made the dish very uninteresting. My husband enjoyed the bison burger a lot, it seems to be the favorite as every other waiter passed by with this dish. It should be called fries with a side of bison instead, you get a s**** load of fries. The Porkchop was delicious and the only thing I would get if I ever come back. The desserts were delicious, I would recommend the chocolate goo cake. Skip the ice cream/gelato and head to Comfy Cow instead (the pina colada ice cream was really good though). The restaurant itself is beautiful, lively and hip. If you want to enjoy the restaurant without the expensive disappointing dinner, I suggest grabbing a seat at the bar, order their award winning cocktails and a few appetizers to share. Right next door is a great 24/7 art gallery, take a stroll after some drinks or bring it with you.
(3)
Antonio C.

This place was very good but a little pricey. I started with the Local Mixed Lettuces salad which was good. I especially liked the orange and purple cauliflower. Weird but very tasty. For my entree I got the Marksbury Roasted Half Chicken and a side of the Crispy Fingerling Potatoes. Everything was delicious. Yelpers hit this spot on the head. A solid four start. Try it
(4)
Michael M.

I love the food, the art and the service. Even if you don't need to us the restrooms, do head back into the hotel and use the facilities, they are simply the funnest and most interesting bathrooms! I have always enjoyed the food here and the service is good. If you like people watching this is a great place; from tourists to business people and locals trying to impress each other dressed for a night on the town, its all here. I don't drink but my friends seem to think they have a good selection of wines, whisky, and beers. More important is the staff seems to know everything anyone I'm with asks for, no matter how obscure or unusal. I appreciate the locally sourced foods that Proof focuses on with their dishes. Proof runs its own farm or ranch where it raises it own beef, bison and pork. The meats taste great and are always creatively prepared. I often get a Bison burger and grits but everything I've tried is good. Tonight we had octopus and green beans on the side along with our main dishes. Several people with me ordered pork chops which were giant! They all raved about how good it was. We decided to get deserts and I ordered the peach cobbler. It was not traditional, lighter and well presented. It was not too sweet and not just spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg but also something that added heat to the dish that left me warm but not burning. It was unique and tasty without being heavy or too sweet. Next a walk through the art gallaries before heading home. Good company, good service, great art makes a perfect night out.
(4)
Brent W.

A top notch restaurant, I am so glad we made reservations at Proof On Main. The chic ambiance, link to 21c museum, and owners that raise their own bison and pork make this establishment the go to happening spot in Louisville. We were lucky enough to go to get Patti as our server who was both knowledgeable and able to converse in a enjoyable manner. Additional wait staff were in abundance to make sure water glasses were filled and plates were cleared. I was very impressed that they make their own tonic! The gin (Hendricks) and tonic was the best G&T that I have ever had! I would of had another one but I had to finish drinking my wife's failed attempt at bourbon and ginger ale. Then on to wine...so many good options here. For a starter we ordered the yummy catfish dip. It came with flat bread and a side of hot sauce to liven things up. Delicious... Entrees were tasty with the two of us having the hog chop and the bison burger. The bison burger was a bit dry as my wife requested well done but the siracha mayonnaise we requested helped alleviate that problem. For dessert we tried the famous KY bourbon pie. It too was delicious and really capped off a wonderful evening.
(5)
marianne r.

Nice spot to hang out and people watch!good beer and wine selection and despite the fact that I am not a huge foodie,I still found good ,tasty options on the menu to choose from.wish they stayed open later on Sundays as Louisville doesn't have a lot of good options for late night fun.overall a great place ,only drawback was a lack of conversation with bartenders outside of the necessary ordering but that applies more to people not wanting to feel alone sitting at a bar by themselves.
(4)
Carolyn G.

This bar (and hotel) has such a cool concept! It's so interesting that it has a modern art gallery connected to it. We stopped in for a bourbon flight, because, well, when in Rome. We picked the 12 year+ flight for $18. I hate to sound so, well, amateur, but I really couldn't taste much beside the burn from alcohol. I wish I could pull out the vanilla and almond from one and the coconut from the other, but I couldn't. I still enjoyed the novelty of the tasting. Perhaps if I lived here, I'd be better about pulling apart the flavor profiles. The bar has a really interesting atmosphere due to the attached museum. I love the gold statue of a half man/half goat "faun" on the corner of the bar. The bartender was very attentive and even wrote down the names of each of our bourbon tastings. I would love to dine or stay here if I return to Louisville someday!
(4)
Marne W.

I had my 40th birthday dinner here on our recent trip to Louisville. We'd wanted to stay in the 21c after reading about it in a travel magazine, but we waited too long to make our reservation and rooms were out of our price range, so we decided to stay at the Brown and eat at the 21c instead. To be honest, after all the build-up, the meal was just ok in my book and probably not worth the cost. The food is trying very, very hard to be fancy, but the execution is just average. The decor and the waitstaff are trying very hard to make you believe that the place is a trendy hipster nightspot, but most of the actual clientele were middle-aged tourist types like ourselves. That being said, after our meal we headed to the museum part of the hotel, and it was fantastic. I could tell that all the pieces selected had a unified, quirky vision. My advice: look around the hotel while wandering around downtown, but don't feel compelled to eat here.
(3)
Stephen F.

Excellent spot for a drink and a bite. Ate at the bar twice while in town and the food was very good. My only complaint is the bartenders are so busy restocking that I had to get their attention every time I needed a drink.
(4)
D h.

Interesting bar nestled in a more interesting hotel & restaurant. The hotel is the star here, but the quirkiness and art extend into the bar area. Great place to grab a drink and enjoy the atmosphere. The bartenders are top notch and make a great cocktail. Enough beers to make most happy. Steel bar top with no rail. Comfy bar stools (maybe 8-10) with high top tables opposite the bar. Bar back mostly contains liquor bottles/shelves, but also a few small TVs that make it less awkward for the single business traveler of patron waiting for his/her friends. Great views out the windows to the north & east. Food is pricey but delicious.
(4)
Abe M.

Date night at Proof. Beer and wine were solid but very limited on the wine side unless you want to drop at least $80 for a bottle. The by the glass selection was very limited. The KY catfish dip was excellent. Decided to order the Citron Melon Soup to try something new. Tasted like squeezed cantaloupe. No citron taste or anything else. We had planned on getting entrees but there was nothing that looked new and enticing so we left. I think of Proof as an inventive restaurant and hoped there would be new options on the menu. Didn't happen.
(3)
Allison F.

Take note, World: THIS is how you do lunch. Prior to coming, it's best you make a reservation, even for lunch. The concept of Proof on Main is very Avant Garde, so just embrace the ambiance and all its Japanese male escorts photographs. The staff is wonderful, especially the male host working on Valentine's Day. He helped make sure that we were able to have the charred octopus, the infamous dish that is only on the dinner menu. Speaking of charred octopus, it is worth all the praise it receives from the critics. The char locks in the flavor of the octopus, and it's only elevated with the lime you can squeeze on it. It's simple, fresh, and executed perfectly. It only gets better. I had the Hot Fried Chicken as my main. The Hot Fried Chicken is Nashville-style with a Louisville twist. The chicken is double-breaded and presented deconstructed with corn, peppers, pickles, and white bread. NOTE: make sure you pile on all of the fixings! Otherwise you're missing out on one hell of a dish layered with sweet and spice and everything nice. I know, you're probably salivating a bit, which is why I have to end it with the Proof Fries, a GIANT bed of shoe-string fries topped with fresh garlic and parmesan. You might argue that you've seen these on a menu before, but I bet they didn't come with a pimento cheese aioli. "swoons" Proof On Main provides a meal of epic proportions. Hands down the best lunch of my life. Go now! (with your reservation)
(5)
Steve A.

This excellent and popular restaurant is lively and fun. There is an interesting wine list with more countries represented than any list I've see (Armenian wine, anyone?) Menu selections are limited, but constantly changing, and there is a special three course dinner every Sunday night. An excellent choice in Louisville, and a no-brainer if you're staying at the wonderful attached 21c Museum Hotel.
(4)
Laurie V.

Yummy! My travel companion and I went there for a very late night dinner around 11 PM, Friday night before the derby. It was PACKED, but they accommodated us and gave us a banquette in the dining room, even though it was technically closed, and just the bar section was open. Highlights: bison meatballs, smoked catfish dip, roasted bones, the cocktail "caught me thinkin'" (sherry, sazerac rye, demerara syrup, bitters), and the fries. We were so hungry and everything tasted delicious, especially those tender, flavorful meatballs. Also, I really loved the unique art in the very modern hotel attached to the restaurant. Very cool artsy exhibits. Fancy schmancy bathrooms. Drunk people telling us the importance of "where you went to high school" if you live in Louisville.
(4)
John S.

We were in Louisville to travel the Bourbon Trail and this was our first dinner out with the family. Upon arrival we were promptly seated in a booth adjacent to the open kitchen. The brigade was working flat out. The restaurant was full with a number of large parties but thanks to our server Ray we were quickly served cocktails and some Charcuterie choices which included local ham, Coppa, chicken liver pate and cheeses. The main courses included the Woodlands Farm Pork chops and the Proof Bison burger. Both were cooked perfectly. The mains weren't the only star coming across the pass. The Greens and Benton ham was delicious although I had to eat fast as my pig loving son kept cherry picking the delectable pieces of ham. The Fingerling potatoes were also an excellent accompaniment, crispy little nuggets of perfection. To close out a great night Ray guided us to a local deli for a great lunch with locals the next day (one of their speciality purveyors). To close the space is attached to an art gallery that made it the perfect start to our get away long weekend. They were perfect.
(5)
Dave L.

We were excited to try this place. We went in and sat at the bar. One bartender acknowledged us but did not return to take our drink order. The other bar tender held a conversation with the patron next to us, then walked right by us. Disappointed with the service, we left. Maybe we will try again another time. Update: We said we would give if another chance and we are glad we did. Busy bar, but fast and courteous service. The craft cocktails were simply PERFECT... Balanced and great use of ingredients. I had the Bricks and Ivy and Weezy had the Bare Minum. Glad we gave it a second chance. Great service makes a difference! Aug 6 2015 The management at Proof on Main went out of their way to address this issue via Yelp. We live 12 hours away and it would have been understandable to just "blow it off"as some disgruntled tourist. We love Louisville and now we love Proof on Main. We will be back for Bison Burgers and craft cocktails the next time we are in town. Top shelf people.
(4)
Heather T.

Came here just for drinks, as I heard their cocktail list was good. Ended up just drinking multiple glasses of wine and meeting a random couple from South Africa. The bartender was helpful and i really liked the ambiance of the place! It's kind of in an art museum so they feature some cool art pieces. One that had me freaked was the statue sitting on the bar, a life sized Satyr tempting you with an apple. Awesome, but creepy! Want to come back next time to try the food!
(5)
David J.

Charged octopus Greens I had other things but these two were awesome and of special note !!! The greens were the best I have ever had! The octopus was fantastic. I'm sure every thing else was just as good but I should have kicked the bowl on both of these!!!
(5)
Kelly C.

Stunning location adorned with creative art that also serves fantastic farm to table food. Need I say more? Perhaps not but I will. The venue: in many ways part art gallery part restaurant, there are modern pieces on the walls that are good conversation starters and also give the place character. Ambiance is upscale enough for a nice dinner, but not pretentious or stuffy if you are meeting friends. The food: warm ricotta to start was particularly good, octopus was also flavorful. The beet salad was a tasty twist on the typical beet salad with crumbled popcorn to give it added texture. The salmon with sunchokes was particularly tasty - although the pear seemed a bit out of place. I had the pear tart for dessert which was a sweet ending. The cotton candy to finish off is a nice throwback touch. Service kept up with our table of 8 and served at a good pace and evenly across the diners. Good for dinner while traveling for business with organic and locally sourced options.
(5)
Joanne H.

I absolutely loved the food AND wine here. If i recall correctly, my waiter was slightly rude and NOT helpful at all. On a brighter note, this was a perfect way for me and my neighboring diners to meet, greet, and enjoy each other's company as well as giving each other personal recommendations, taking photos with each other, and even exchanging contacts! It was my first time here and i enjoyed every single minute of my dining experience. I especially loved the post-dinner "activities" collaborating with fellow diners regarding the large scale portraits depicting the beauty and reality of the working class, homeless, families of these individuals. And the even more controversial and interesting pieces and sculptures downstairs that revealed cultural & political violence of our past times. I went home and realized i made 5 new acquaintances from my this night and It was awesome. I'll def come again--soon
(5)
Jesse M.

Now this is my 3rd time at Proof on Main, once for dinner, again for brunch, and now for drinks and snacks in the lounge. I can't compliment this place enough! Their bison burger is was absolutely amazing! Perfectly done! For brunch I had the Benedict with a cornbread muffin, a nice twist on a classic dish. Then today in the lounge we had their bone marrow and bloody Mary's. Delicious all around! If I could I would be there everyday! The best part is the art gallery attached to the restaurant. To get to the bathrooms, you get the wonderful experience of great art! This place is awesome! Whenever in Louisville, make sure to stop by Proof on Main at least once!
(5)
Charles L.

A fabulous bison burger and scrumptious fries not to miss. Shared this and an absolutely delicious salad. Couldn't believe our mouths. Such a treat this place!
(5)
Sarah R.

This is my go-to "I want a classy drink in a classy place". Whether alone and doing some studying or with friends, I adore the lounge and the adjoining museum. Maybe there's a nostalgia to it, as it was one of the first martinis I had when I moved here, but I think it's more of the cool factor. This place has it in spades. I appreciate how the bar staff will let you be, sipping away slowly. There's also food at the bar, so if the restaurant is too hoppin', it's nice to steal away to a less formal atmosphere. My husband and I make it a point to treat ourselves to dinner about a week after Valentine's Day each year, and every time a chorus of "nom nom nom nom" tends to come from our table. I had a risotto there in recent memory that was some of the best food I've ever had...period. You'll pay higher prices here for sure, but it's worth every last dime. Do treat yourself to whatever gelato concoctions they have that day. That's a must. Of course, you can't skip the art. I'm determined to have one of those blasted smoke ring machines at my home one day!
(5)
Colleen M.

Can't comment on the food but they mix a wicked good gin and tonic. The atmosphere is upscale. This is a sit down and chill kind of spot so if you're looking to cut up, this is probably not for you. The crowd was fun and friendly on a Saturday night. The space is a little small but is supplemented by the option to walk the adjacent 21c, drink in hand. Another Louisville gem.
(4)
Nicole M.

I came here for drinks and appetizers on a Sunday evening, so my review is limited. So I specifically wanted to come here because I had read an article about the ten best places to get a drink in Louisville, and naturally Proof on Main was on the list. Noted in the article was a bourbon cocktail called "Fancy Free." When I arrived and looked at the drink menu, it was not listed. Apparently the drink was not normally part of the daily offerings and was something special that had been developed for a award event. But since I'm curious, I asked for it anyway. The server was very gracious and worked with the bartender to make my "special" drink. To me, it's the above and beyond customer service that will keep me coming back every time. And added bonus, the drink was very good :) I also tried the warm ricotta appetizer which was very good. But I'll admit I'm bias on this dish because I LOVE ricotta cheese. As far as the atmosphere, it's on the fancier side. It's connected to an art museum so I would dress to impress. And price wise, it's on the higher end. The signature drinks are round $10 each.
(5)
Hannah E.

Hostess and waitress were awesome. Great personalities and very friendly and funny. Owner even walked around checking tables asking how everything was. The atmosphere and food were pretty good as well. I thought it would have been a little more flavorful but each dish was very tasty. I love rich foods so I could have done with a little more of that. They were in transition of a new cook so maybe they are still tweaking a few things and sorting some menu items. Overall great food and people, a tad expensive but we got free extra bread and whatever else you might need. Whipped ricotta cheese dip, green spaghetti with mushrooms, blue berry pop tart and greens!
(4)
Melissa B.

This is a special occasion restaurant. I wore jeans and felt very under dressed. The hostess asked if we had a reservation on a Monday night...we did not...she acted like we may not be seated but were seated soon after that. We were seated in a corner booth which was awkward but worked. We were not interested in any appetizers so we just ordered our entrees. We got a loaf of bread to hold us over until the meal came. We ordered the salmon, the shrimp noodles, the pork chop, and the bison burger. Our favorite of the night was the burger and fries. They were both cooked perfect (medium rare on the burger) and the flavor was spot on. The other dishes were good as well. The salmon with the turnips and broccoli were good and the salmon was also cooked just right. The pork chop was a large piece of meat with the bone in. We also ordered grits that were amazing! We practically licked the bowl. The meal was good but not somewhere I would go often..maybe once a year.
(4)
Rich P.

What a great hotel! The art is fantastic and men's bathroom urinal is particularly humorous. Enjoyed a delicious cocktail, the octopus, the famous hog chop with a tasty cider, some greens, and the chocolate goo cake with an excellent 12yr old flight of bourbon. Very nicely buzzed and full :) Crowd at the bar was great and all the guys behind the bar knew their stuff and provided excellent service.
(4)
Tony S.

First, this is a French restaurant, and if I had known, I probably wouldn't of came here. I have never been particularly fond of French restaurants, and just like every French restaurant, it possesses the pretentious air. I did come here to also check out the art and really kick myself in the butt I forgot about that detail when we finally arrived. We ordered the roasted bones as an appetizer and probably my favorite thing. Interesting presentation, and delicious. Also ordered a tasting platter. Tried the rabbit and chicken liver pate and I don't remember which cheese. Not enough bread and crackers to eat any of the spreads with. Someone in my group ordered the agnolotti. Was really tasty, and disappointed I didn't get that. I'd never order a vegetarian dish though, sad it was the best tasting entree. I ordered the monk-fish, and it was a bit lackluster. Someone else ordered the salmon, cooked with the skin on, and skin was tasty, but rest was just fine. I had a small bite of hog chop, and I liked what I tasted. I needed more to give an honest review though. Desert wasn't memorable. Still hungry after meal. Portions were pretty small. Overall thought it was on the pricey side, but I guess you pay for the farm to table. Service was excellent, although the server was dressed strange and her attire didn't match her frame to be polite. Was off-putting for all of us until we talked to her, so it wasn't just me. She fitted right in with the pretentious air though.
(3)
Liz A.

Y'all. (I say y'all now because I tasted FIFTEEN different bourbons during my 36-hour visit to Louisville. I also say Loo-vuhl, not Looeyville, probably for the same reason.) So. Y'all. I had ONE shot at a memorable dinner during my brief visit -- and I DID IT. I felt a little awkward at first, because Proof on Main is a Nice Place, kinda Dressy, but I didn't have my true lady-dress-up clothes (OK, I don't really OWN true lady-dress-up clothes because I am fat AND from central New Hampshire), but then all the servers were wearing plaid shirts, so right away I felt better. Also everybody was very nice. And that first whiskey flight also helped. I had the roasted cauliflower entree -- SO DELICIOUS and really beautiful presentation. Also, because I am a yankee visiting The South, I ordered grits. But, guys. I mean, Y'ALL. These grits. They had goat cheese in them. So-- cheese grits, but, like, LUXE CHEESE GRITS. Like a pillow of heaven in my mouth. And with chives sprinkled on top. I love a small, local-forward menu -- and this one didn't disappoint. There are a handful of things I'd love to try. The desserts looked tasty! But I was full of Heavenly GOAT CHEESE grits so I had a second whiskey flight for dessert. Yum. Courteous, well-paced service. Nice ambiance -- formalish but not stuffy. Solidly delicious food on what looks to me like a smart menu. If I ever get back to Louisville (I NEED FOUR MORE STAMPS IN MY BOURBON PASSPORT TO GET A FREE THING!!!!) I will happily visit Proof on Main again for more noshing and sipping. I probably still won't have true lady-dress-up clothes, though.
(4)
Kim N.

Great place to grab a drink, but go early! This place got packed as it got later. Cocktails were perfect and the service (even at a table) was just fine. Very cool, hip spot to hang out before or after dinner. And be sure to go through the (free) museum just outside the doors of Proof in the 21c Museum Hotel! That was awesome!
(4)
Lung T.

Overrated. Inconsistent. Awkward pretentious. Bacon doesn't make everything better. The kale was not only overpowered by bacon, it lacked imagination. It was super salty, and the bread crumb failed to enhance the soggy mess. The octopus suffered the same fate and embarrassment. However, the roasted bone was right on the mark. Super rich with intense aroma, well balanced with fresh garnish. It was the highlight of our meal. The hog chop was well prepared and grilled. However it was a bit cold upon arrival. Nonetheless it was a good note balanced well with soy beans and roasted peanuts... As the restaurant is billed one of the fine dinning in town, I am very confused as the staff in jeans and flannel plaid shirts... It's hipsters serving a $18 bison burgers and $28 pork chop?! No wonder they were uncomfortable in their body languages. Overall, it's a beautiful restaurant that tries to do fine food. I applaud the effort but it is inconsistent. A clean starched white dress shirt is classic and simple, you don't need extra bacon to impress...or even fool.
(4)
Dana A.

Very trendy & swank we just had drinks and appetizers its was all good. Catfish spread was delicious.
(4)
Erica B.

Luck was on our side when we arrived at Proof on a Friday evening with no reservations and scored their last table. I don't think chance had anything to do with our terrific meal, though. Tucked inside the artsy-chic 21c Museum Hotel, Proof boasts its own collection of paintings, photographs, and sculptures. After a day of bourbon tasting, the ample selection of wines and craft beers were most welcome. The cocktails seemed to run on the sweeter side, which isn't my preference, but if that's your bag - you'll be a happy camper. As an appetizer, quite a few of us ordered the chilled sweet corn soup, topped with blueberries and popcorn. This was a smash hit - creamy and luscious with a nice mix of textures. The bison burger with truffle fries was another table favorite. The shoestring fries were so good that I couldn't stop swiping them from my husband's plate. My cousin's order of gulf prawns with johnnycakes and peach salsa was another winner, and we all geeked out over the amazing charred corn and parmesan grits. If you're a vegetarian, do not be deterred by the meat-heavy menu. Our waiter was super nice about telling me which dishes could be made without meat products and also informed me that the chef makes a special vegan platter on request. The vegan platter was glorious. Flavorful roasted tomatoes, okra, mushrooms, and beans were served alongside chunks of what tasted like a polenta/cornbread hybrid. The saltine crust lemon pie and goat cheese/peach hand pies were both delicious, salty-sweet dessert marvels. The dessert portions are pretty small, so if you're on the fence about sharing, just do the smart thing and get your own. All in all, I was impressed with the inventive flavor combinations, the very knowledgeable staff, and the cool atmosphere, but the portion sizes vary wildly dish to dish and for the price point, the quality is a bit inconsistent. Some dishes were outstanding, while some were just good. Still well worth a visit for anyone in the area.
(4)
Justin H.

I've only eaten here once but have stopped by for drinks several times and rather enjoyed myself every time. I gave a 4 star review but that represents a 5 star experience for the bar and a 3 for the food. The only time I've eaten here was for brunch and I was underwhelmed. Our food took over an hour to arrive but the server was very apologetic, despite this not being her fault. We weren't impatient and understand these things happen. No big deal. I give my dining experience a 3/5. If you really want to enjoy yourself, the bar is where it's at. Most recently, I was in a wedding where the pictures were taken at 21C and we had a little lull so we went into Proof to grab a drink while we waited for a few hours. I had their Proof Positive which is a hybrid Old Fashioned and it was AMAZING. Without a doubt the best Old Fashioned I've ever had. So good I didn't mind that it was $10. I would try their food again but I'm much more likely to swing by the bar for a few apps and drinks after a show or before heading out for a night out. If you like Old Fashions, give this a try!
(4)
Tommy T.

Excellent Service and Atmosphere. You have to try the Hog Pork Chop. It's one of a kind. Great place to dine!!
(5)
Jessica A.

I wanted to go to the museum. My boyfriend wanted dinner. We did both. The dining room was reservation only or wait 2 hours, we sat at the bar and got a table in 30 minutes in the bar area. We tried a few of the menu items, squid, beet salad, fingerling potatoes and we both had the salmon. Everything was delicious and the museum had some very interesting installments. I highly suggest going to check it out. The restaurant is an occasional thing, but the museum is open and free to public, considering it is the lobby of 21c hotel.
(5)
Brian G.

Let's just say I've been to Proof a lot and our go-to appetizer is the octopus. Proof seems to have helped ignite the 'seasonal food' movement back in Louisville so no matter what Chef Paley is throwing on top of my pork chop - in my opinion - Proof serves the best chops in The Ville. Whenever on the menu I order the "Woodland Farm Hog Chop" with sweet potato, kale, sorghum and lime. The $26.00 price tag is worth it - even on a Tuesday night. ;) My drink of choice is a double Knob Creek with an orange peel - best paired with a gander through the adjacent gallery (21C gallery). Oh, and if you ask your waitstaff about the red penguins they will likely 'relocate' one of two next to your table. They make great company if your date is on their phone. In the end, give Proof a try whether your a business traveler in the city for a few nights or looking for classy place (with a great bourbon selection) to hang out after a concert or play.
(5)
Megan A.

I came here on Easter 2015 for the prixe fix meal. It was wonderful. Excellent service with even humorous hostess and waiters. We enjoyed the apps, including yogurt parfait, walnut bread, and the greens. Everyone enjoyed it! Three of us had the egg white frittata which was just on spot. My dad had the eggs Benedict and he enjoyed it! The portion was perfect. We tried each dessert and good as well- although I was a big fan of the chocolate cake! Definitely recommend for a brunch similar to this.
(5)
Evan S.

Only had two drinks, and no food, but I'd suggest anybody try this spot out if you're looking for a great spot for a cocktail, date, meetup, etc. Not officially sure if it's technically on the bourbon tour, but the bartender took good care of me for my 30th birthday. Drinks of choice: Old Forester 12 year "Birthday Bourbon" Eagle Rare 17 year Make it happen.
(4)
Laura P.

The food here is really outstanding. I highly recommend the whipped ricotta appetizer, and the goat cheese grits.
(5)
Ned K.

Food is good, not great. However, the ambience is fantastic and both of the cocktails I had were delicious. I'm glad I went and experienced it, but not sure if I need to go back again. Overall though, it was lovely dinner.
(3)
Roxanne O.

I can't comment on the food here, but I had some excellent cocktails with a coworker while in town for a convention. If you're into handcrafted cocktails and an upscale vibe, this is the place for you.
(5)
Drex H.

I guiltily admit this was plan B for brunch but the experience and food was first rate. The restaurant has two sections: a dinning room and a lounge/bar area. We opted for the bar lounge area. The lounge is very modern looking with ample table and chair seating along with sectional couches and tables. The menu is southern inspired new American. We decided to share the shrimp & grits and sausage & eggs. I also opted for a homemade strawberry lemonade spiked with Woodford Reserve. The food came out quickly. But is tasted like a crafted masterpiece that should have taken forever. The shrimp were expertly grilled and smothered in a spicy red sauce. The grits were creamy and and savory. On top they served and over easy egg. The meal was an absolute delight and I recommend this spot for any meal you have time for.
(5)
Sarah H.

My friends and I stayed at 21c while in Louisville celebrating a friend's birthday. We had drinks and appetizers before heading out for the evening. Everything we had was fantastic. Creative cocktails and elegant small plates. We returned for Sunday Brunch before heading home and again, everyone enjoyed their food. This is a bit pricey, but as far as "foodie" places go it's on point.
(4)
Tri T.

Came for Sunday brunch and it was everything I expected. White walls, white napkins, and food that was a bit unnecessarily overpriced. Starving and hung over, I ordered two plates, fried chicken and shrimp and grits. Fried chicken - I didn't understand what was going on. The chicken was light and tasty but there were pieces of bread and pickles around the chicken and I didn't know how to eat it. Really strange. Also, where's the bone? Southern restaurant right? Shrimp and grits - shrimp was plump and large but the sauce was too salty for my taste (and I really love salty foods). I didn't finish it . Service - overall it was average. The wait time from ordering to receive food took 5 min too long as well.
(3)
Matt V.

Great place to have dinner or drinks. Had the bone-in bison steak and it was one of the best steaks I've ever had. And I eat steak a lot.
(5)
Chris S.

Great bourbon selection but one of the more expensive prices. I get what they are trying to do here... farm fresh, simple meals with white table cloths. Their overall vibe seems to be competing against each other. Even with the prices the same, I would want to be eating on more rugged wooden tables than the white table cloths they had. I felt they were really trying to dress up the place and seem to have lost what they were originally trying to do. Now my meal and appetizer were solid. The waiter was great as well. However, for the price and vibe I will probably venture around Louisville for other options before going back.
(3)
Ashley L.

Proof on Main is more than a meal, it's a dining experience. The restaurant and bar area are both decorated beautifully to harmonize with the 21c Museum Hotel and the menu is full of wonderfully unique dishes. I'm not sure you can ask for much more than in terms of atmosphere or food. Unsure of the menu, I ordered the bison burger as recommended during my first visit. If you find yourself apprehensive about the menu -go for the burger, order a more interesting appetizer or side dish, you will likely feel more adventurous next time! I have been back several times since then and never order the same thing, except the charred octopus appetizer. It's too hard to try something new when you find something so great! While everything I have ordered has been remarkable, the scallops entree really stands out. Each scallop was perfectly prepared and the sauces they adorned the plate with paired nicely. I'm fairly certain they are a seasonal dish and may not be on the menu year round, but any scallop lover would enjoy these! Leave room for dessert too. I always like to try something new and have never been disappointed - cakes, pie, gelato, they're all excellent. At other times I have gotten a drink at the bar and walked around the 21c Museum. If you have the time definitely try to make this part of your visit. They always have interesting and beautiful pieces, as well as their signature red penguins. You can enter directly off the back of the bar and it's an entirely new experience. This is always a great place to take out of town guests or anyone that appreciates a change from the ordinary.
(5)
Rebekah T.

After our Bourbon Tasting Experience nearby, we decided to stop into Proof on Main for a full bourbon flight. I bookmarked them on yelp for their selection of Bourbon. We took a seat that the bar and decided on one bourbon flight and one nice beer. I ordered the Brasserie Dieu du Ciel Ro'seed Hibiscus beer from Montreal and the 10+ year old Bourbon Flight. Both fantastic and a nice little warm up before the walk back to the hotel through the snow. The Bar at Proof on Main is a cool artsy lounge bar with a selection of cocktails, beer and bourbon. I'm glad we found it.
(4)
Elise S.

Until business picked up, service was first class. The floor managers were engaging and eager to help. The "Sunday Supper" prix fixe menu showcased Proof's talented culinary staff. The smoked pork shoulder was the highlight of the meal!
(4)
Mark Y.

Cocktails are served as they should be, well designed and well taught. Definite stop for an excellent start or finish.
(4)
Ron B.

We came here for a post-conference reception and only had drinks. But the decor & service were first-class all the way.
(3)
Amanda E.

We had our rehearsal dinner here. It was good, nothing I would write home about. The bone marrow was yummy, the cocktails were balanced. Everything was prepared well. Our waiter was funny and attentive. The homemade cotton candy they bring with the check was a nice surprise. The bathrooms were interesting - they are part of the art museum and had one-way glass so you could see out but no one could see in. Several inebriated middle aged women thought it was pretty clever.
(4)
Ben N.

Proof is proof that sometimes a restaurant can be so aesthetically exceptional that its food, even if very good, is a mild letdown by comparison. Whoever designed this eminently tasteful space is an all-star, and I usually couldn't give a rat's heinie about such stuff in restaurants. Too many high-end restaurants go overboard with decor, so much so that it's a nuisance that distracts from the food. But this was a room that I walked into and said "wow" to myself, actually thinking that, irrespective of the food, this will be a nice room in which to spend a couple of hours. (As an aside, I don't agree with the few fellow Yelpers complaining here about "dress code" pressure. Hell, 99.5 percent of restaurants are chockfull of people dressed like slobs--and I'm usually one of them--so there ought to be that one-in-a-hundred room that demands stowing away the jeans and t-shirt for a couple of hours. This is one of them.) Anyway, the food, which is what you're here for, came close to, but did not quite, measure up to the room. First, I should note that Proof, true to its name, offers a variety of bourbon flights, which seems like a great way to start a good meal when you're in Kentucky. And it was. As for food, we started with roasted bones, which we've somehow never had the pleasure to experience. Accordingly, I don't know how these stacked up with the average bone-marrow dish, but they stacked up pretty damn well with food in general: subtly rich and creamy, and with beautiful presentation. My wife's local mixed lettuces salad was fresh but definitively uninteresting, but my brussels sprouts salad with chicken skin cracklins amounted just about the best slaw ever. Get the latter. We got fish for mains. Salmon came with a bit of Greek preparation, including a gold beet "skordalia." Very nice dish, but the salmon might have been a notch overcooked. And unfortunately, the admittedly tasty veggies were dumped right on top of the fish, which had the skin left on. Crispy skin on a cut of fish can be absolutely delicious, but this skin was turned into a soggy mess. My wife ordered a halibut special. The halibut itself was pretty great, but it was accompanied by a bean concoction that was among the most flavorless things we'd ever come across in a high-end restaurant. Bizarre. Our server was pretty great, but she sure was big on pitching the baby octopus as an appetizer. Summary: An excellent evening for the most part, but really up and down (mostly up) with the food. I'm confident that you could assemble a meal from Proof's menu that would result in a five-star dining experience, but it would take some trial and error to do so. Either way, it was good enough for me to want to visit the 21c restaurant, Metropole, in Cinci where we live, ASAP. As others say, go see the art in the hotel after or before!
(4)
Sheldon A.

We ate every meal here except one one during our long weekend visit to Louisville (and I wish we would have eaten that one meal there, too). We loved the food. The bison burger (great sauce), Lima bean salad, etc., all really good.
(5)
Laura C.

I returned to Proof, but this time with my spouse for a date after finding a place to rent. We're moving to Louisville, and it's my fault, so I'm basically trying to show my spouse how good Louisville can be (I'm not getting very far). But Proof was the shining star in the whole weekend trip. We had made a reservation for Saturday, and called in to change it to Sunday. Something happened where the reservation didn't actually get changed to Sunday, but they seated us anyway. Much appreciated, Proof staff! We had some cocktails, some rosÃ© ('tis the season), the charred octopus, the lima bean salad, the risotto, the hog chop, and the strawberry sorbet. All insanely delicious, with nice servers and a great atmosphere. Apparently my spouse will agree to move to Louisville as long as we make a trip to Proof on a monthly basis. Noted.
(5)
Andre W.

Pretty good bar located in downtown Louisville that has pretty good artwork in the gallery next to it. We came over after having dinner @ an awesome BBQ joint across town and we wanted to go somewhere to keep the party going. This place was recommended and it did not disappoint. The kept our glasses full and our buzzes on-going
(4)
Kim W.

I popped in for dinner after hearing recommendations about the 21c hotel and restaurant. While the hotel is funky the restaurant is quite good. The menu is fairly small but I suspect they focus on a few things and do them all well. The server said they follow the farm-to-table concept and even have their own farm. He suggested some starters to share which was awkward because I was dining alone on business travel. I asked his recommendations then landed on the swordfish, based on his description using words like light flavor, meaty texture. It was definitely delicious. I skipped appetizers and drinks to save room and $ for dessert. The chocolate goo cake with espresso gelato was decent but felt a little gluttonous for one to devour alone. Note to self, get the booze and skip dessert next time. Or 2 orders of swordfish, if I save up my allowance. Oh it's pricey...
(4)
David H.

Excellent bar with a large bourbon selection and friendly bartenders who know their stuff. Try a mint julep and be sure to check out the art gallery next door. I'll have to come back here and have a meal next time.
(5)
Arjun B.

Ambience a bit quirky and oddly modern as you would expect at a 21C hotel restaurant. Dishes were impeccably prepared and service was outstanding. I had the pork chop which was prepared perfectly. Overall a great experience.
(5)
John K.

A solid restaurant, but I think I was expecting more. I had heard great things, and the food was solid, but nothing that blew me away. The hog chop had good flavor, but was a little tough and overcooked. The panna cotta was tasty, but the texture was not as creamy as I prefer. Finally, they put cotton candy on the table when they brought the check. That's just a terrible idea unless they do something unique, but it tasted like just plain cotton candy. What adult wants to eat a basketball-sized hunk of cotton candy?
(3)
Bill J.

Kind of a mixed bag in regards to the food we tried, but overall the experience was excellent and I'd dine here again without hesitation. We started with the whipped ricotta, which I saw mentioned positively in some other reviews. Our impression of the ricotta was "meh". It was very bland tasting, especially considering that it is served with horseradish and oregano. We added salt and pepper, which helped a bit, but overall it was bland. The bread and butter served before the ricotta was actually better. I tried the bison burger, which was excellent. I did think it was a bit under-cooked. I ordered the burger medium and in my opinion it was medium rare. They cut the burger in half before it is served and there was a noticeable amount of blood that had dripped down from the burger and soaked into the bun. I am fine with medium rare, so I had no problem enjoying the burger but I don't know that other people would feel the same way. I also think that cutting the burger in half prior to serving it causes it to cool down quicker than it should and also may dry it out a bit. I'd prefer to cut it in half myself once it has arrived at the table. The fries were amazing. Definitely top 3 all time on the french fry list for me and it would be hard to name two that are actually better. The shrimp noodles were not much to look at, but they made up for it in the flavor department. Definitely packed with flavor, which was a pleasant surprised based on how plain they looked. The grits were also very flavorful. I'm not a big fan of grits, but I'd definitely have these again. We topped things off with the bread pudding ("puddin'" per the menu) and it was outstanding. They use very high quality bread and add just enough sauce to make it perfect. We were seated promptly after we arrived and the service was very efficient. Despite a couple of minor misses on the food, we were very happy that we chose to dine here and will definitely be back.
(4)
Teena H.

I've been to the bar at Proof on Main a few times, but I hadn't been in about four years. Let me say, I don't know why I waited so long to return! Stopped in around 9:45 p.m. on a Friday night and had two appetizers - the smoked catfish spread and the charred octopus (always a favorite, was so glad it was still on the menu!) and a couple of cocktails each. I had a mint julep and it was like a snow cone for adults. So delicious! Then I switched to a Bare Minimum, which was Kentucky wild gin with raspberry and ginger. I'm not a huge gin fan, but this was utterly delicious. Perfect for summer sipping. We paid our tab and then walked around and looked at the artwork in the hotel after our second cocktail arrived. It was the perfect Friday night date spot.
(5)
Arlene M.

During a recent trip to Louisville I decided to come here for breakfast. I was amazed what I saw. It sits inside a hotel where on the outside is a large replica of Michelangelo's David statue. Inside there is a small art gallery which I found very interesting. I had a delicious egg dish for my breakfast along with true seasoned grits. I should advise that they do season everything so please make a note of that. Since my egg dish was large they were kind enough to give me half a serving of the grits which was just enough for me. The staff was very attentive and helpful. Note they are not open continuously but only at mealtimes. I will certainly return here if my travels ever bring me this way again. I truly recommend take advantage of the small art gallery. You won't be disappointed!
(4)
Jessica K.

Ate here while in town on business and it was everything everyone said it would be. Great food, swanky atmosphere and a great bourbon selection. Our group ordered the octopus and it was delicious (hardly recognizable as octopus, seasoned with kind and other semi-tropical spices)! I had the pork chop and it was probably the best pork chop I've ever eaten. It was bone-in, the fat part tasted like pork belly and it smelled like bacon. We ordered three desserts all of which were amazing. Their grits were fabulous! Better than the other ones I previously reviewed in Louisville. Do not forget to go to the bathroom! If you are a last do not forget to look into the glass window to your right on the way to your bathroom. Do not forget! Now to get technical. This place pitches itself as farm-to-table. The only local dishes on the menu when I went were the bison burger and pork chop. They have lots of seafood on the menu. The verlasso salmon is a specially farm raised fish from Alaska that is feed other farmed fish so while they are raised nicely, they still won't taste as great as wild salmon. This place is pricey but worth the night out. I'd definitely recommend having a drink at the bar, going to the bathroom and then getting seated for dinner.
(5)
Cristina G.

Outstanding food and service. The atmosphere is casual chic. My husband and I ate here while in town for a bourbon run and thoroughly enjoyed the meal before a show at the Louisville Palace. Housed in a hotel that is also either an art gallery or museum, its located in downtown Louisville. I had the pork chop and it was outstanding. If in the area, do try Proof on Main.
(5)
Chris K.

We stopped in for lunch and had an amazing experience! We sat at the bar and our bartender Damien was extremely hospitable, personable, and knowledgeable. While the food was great, Damien did a phenomenal job as well and really made our experience great. I had a bourbon flight and we shared the fried chicken. Both were incredible! The chicken had the perfect amount of heat and flavor. Damien was able to not only make a few bourbon recommendations based on our conversation, but was also extremely helpful in pointing out a few great areas of town to check out as well. If you're stopping in Louisville I highly recommend checking this place out.
(5)
Kimberly C.

I dearly love this place. Everything on the menu is exceptional and the specials are always truly creative. The staff always goes above and beyond to make sure your dining experience is worth every penny.
(5)
Laura K.

It really is one in a million. From the art museum, to the bar, to the hotel, to the restaurant, if you're traveling to Louisville this is a MUST. I easily scored a rez online before my trip down. The night started with a cocktail at bar followed by one of the best meals I've had in a LONG time. The charred octopus is a game changer. Anyone who claims to dislike octopus should try this one. My entree was the chicken and trust me when I say I would order it a again in a heartbeat. My bf was trying to keep me from trying his bread and butter bread pudding, that's how good it was. When the check comes so does a free mound of cotton candy. After dinner we strolled around the museum and raided the gift shop. I can honestly say I've never been any where like Proof. It's one of a kind.
(5)
Mike B.

The atmosphere of this place is a tad bit snobbish than what I normally like, Chris S. nailed that in his review that I'd expect it to be a little more casual. I was definitely under the dress code here in jeans, tshirt and a zip up jacket. People were coming in with sport coats on, made me feel a bit awkward. Also, the parking situation could get a bit iffy on a busy day. What wasn't awkward was the fantastic service, and even better food. I was in for breakfast because a nearby place I parked for was closed on the weekends and this was a quick walk. I got the chia pudding, which was loaded with delicious fresh berries and nuts, and was actually one of the more pleasant dishes with chia seeds I'd ever remembered having. Of course, I'm not health nut, so I also tried a side of the smoked bacon, which was completely awesome. The waitress also was happy to grant my request for a custom juice blend (cranberry apple) from their fresh juice selection. I think it wound up around $20 after the tip, which is a bit more than what I was expecting for breakfast (the place I originally was shooting for was a diner up the street), but I wouldn't hesitate to pay it again. Great place!
(4)
Mark M.

creative and absolutely delicious. proof brings you delicious regional dishes like burgoo and rabbit. The atmosphere and cocktails are also pretty fabulous. Not insanely priced. This place is the reason I also now love brussel sprouts.
(5)
Michael R.

We previously had a reservation for Proof on Main for Valentine's Day but unfortunately had to cancel. We rescheduled for April and when we were seated they brought us champagne and wished us Happy Valentine's! It was this kind of attention to detail that made our night phenomenal. We were seated with the trademark red penguin and had some fun at his (or her) expense. The food was fantastic and our server gave us wonderful recommendations. The octopus was charred perfectly, the charcuterie board was the star of the night, and the Bison Berger was cooked to perfection and served alongside fantastic garlic Parmesan fries. The fries were so flavorful that my wife didn't even ask for ketchup (and she ALWAYS asks for ketchup). and to top it off, they gave us wonderful cotton candy (it was fitting since we were going to a festival the next day). We did not feel rushed and were able to truly enjoy our culinary experience. In addition, the 21c hotel where the restaurant is located has a very interesting art gallery that is a perfect activity for after dinner. We will never forget our Valentine's in April date at Proof on Main! I can't say enough good things about the food and the service.
(5)
Naiying C.

Visited the bar, tried their cocktail and 3 meats for 15$. The meats are delicious and you can pick any 3 out of 5, it's a good little finger food to have with your drink! YUMMM
(5)
Steve F.

The ambiance and bourbon selection was amazing. My wife found this gem in Louisville and we will definitely make this our fav cocktail spot! FANTASTIC!
(5)
V S.

After a not-so-pleasant experience at the Four Roses Distillery, Proof redeemed Kentucky for us with friendly service, relaxing atmosphere, and awesome decor. Drinks are great and the cat fish dip is so yummy. The gallery experience added to this fine evening in Louisville.
(5)
Grace S.

I loved this place when I came here September 2013. Looking at the menu online, it looks like some items have changed since I was here, but I'm assuming the overall quality of the restaurant is still the same. When we arrived on a Thursday night, there was a long wait to dine in the restaurant - the place was packed. Fortunately, we found a table in the bar area so we were able to sit and grab a drink while we waited. The drinks are strong and they have an extensive menu. The decor of the place overall was very modern; it has kind of a new-age feel to it. Since it was nighttime, the bar area was lit up with cool lights. I would recommend checking out the attached art gallery. It definitely has some quirky pieces. I personally find that kind of stuff interesting, but if you are or someone from your group is more on the conservative side, it might seem even a bit ostentatious. I should point out the restrooms are all the way in the back of the art gallery, and you'll have to be ready for a few things that are out of the ordinary. For example, when you pass the men's bathroom, you can see the silhouettes of all the urinal occupants (don't worry, it's just the upper half). Now for the food... I am pretty adventurous when it comes to what I eat, so I usually make a point to eat the most unusual food on the menu. Here, we got roasted bones for an appetizer, which was bone marrow. Then for my entree, I got the potato gnocchi. This is where I think they changed the menu; when I ordered this, it was supposed to come with beef cheek, but they were out of that, so they replaced with beef tongue (see photo). Now, it looks like it is with duck confit. Overall, I thought all the food was really good. The portions are not huge, but I was pretty full by the time we were done. I will say this place is a pretty pricey. If I wasn't there on business, I may not have gone here. My favorite thing about this place was that they give you cotton candy with the bill - I've never been so happy to see a bill in my life!
(5)
christine t.

Not only was the food amazing, but the staff is on their game! Attentive and super knowledgeable in a laid back way- I highly recommend Proof on Main to everyone in the Louisville area.
(5)
Elyse C.

We started out our evening with mint juleps which proof puts their own spin on! They were delicious and refreshing! To start our meal we got the Smoked KY Catfish dip and it was amazing with just a squeeze of lemon and a dash of hot sauce. For our main dishes we split the gulf prawns and the woodland farm hog chop. They were both seasoned magnificently. For desert we had the trio gelato. The seasonal gelato was pumpkin spice and it tastes just like pumpkin pie. Plus they had an added touch when they brought you the bill you got cotton candy. Such a delightful way to end your meal. It was a great meal and would recommend to other and return ourselves.
(5)
Centex A.

Came here for dinner on Friday night. We arrived earlier than our 9 p.m. Reservation, but settled into the bar for a drink while waiting. The waitress was pleasant, but it took almost twenty minutes to get our drinks. We were seated shortly thereafter. Our waiter arrived promptly, and took our orders. You know, I tried to like this guy, but he had a very condescending/subtly snarky attitude. I'm not sure what was up with him... Now the good...the salad was the freshest most delicate plate of greens I have ever been served. The fish dip was good, as were the grits. The scallops were very good but just warm. I know there's a fine line with scallops between being cooked properly and turning chewy, so I ate them anyway. Would have preferred a little hotter though. They were served on REALLY salty ham. I know they are trying for a fresh food vibe, but was turned off by the food pairings. It's like they were trying so hard to be edgy they completely missed the mark. We loved the photos and the museum quality artwork throughout, and I would definitely come back for that. Not sure how I feel about a return engagement for dinner.
(3)
Amanda F.

This was my second dining experience here and unlike last time, it was not 5 stars. If I could give 3.5, that would be ideal. Starting with the bar area, it was clean and the bartenders are observant and ready to mix your drinks. You don't have to wait long to be noticed and have a drink order taken. Once we were seated at our table (our 3rd anniversary dinner) our waiter was less than stellar. I don't know if he was having an "off" night, but I couldn't help but compare him to our waiter we had on our previous visit who was OUTSTANDING! He was knowledgable about the menu and wine list, however, lacked the "something extra" you expect from pricier restaurant staff. The food, as always, was good. Only complaint is my scallops were cut in half instead of plated full. I would rather see less on my plate and have 3 huge scallops vs. 6 half-scallops. Also, the entire dish was oversalted. Not enough to ruin it, but enough for me to not enjoy it as much as I had previously. The star of the meal was dessert. And honestly, what saved this rating from 3 stars. It's called something with the word "Gooey" in it. Layers of chocolate mousse, marshmallow fluff, caramel, and crushed up toffee. AMAZING! Not sure if I'll be back, but Proof is certainly a place to dine a time or two if you haven't already.
(4)
Patrick W.

From first greeting, until your last sip, Proof on Main, is well prepared to provide the very best experience of fresh food, spirits and service. The menu is a challenge, with so many innovative and interesting choices. This is a must try for any foodie in a quest to try the best.
(5)
Kristin D.

Incredibly delicious, but pricey. Appreciated trying the shaved brussel sprout salad and ended with cotton candy. How can you go wrong?! Glad we splurged to come here, was well worth it.
(4)
Phil K.

Went to Proof for a celebration dinner last Wednesday evening.- what a sensational experience! From the moment the hostess (and large plastic penguins) greeted us at the door to the moment we finished our small Cotton Candy dessert, it was a great experience! Friendly staff, interesting menu and tasty dishes? Check, check and double check. Reasonable prices complimented an engaging, friendly and knowledgeable waiter. The manager even came by for a chat when she heard that my wife and I were new to town. The ambiance was just our speed also - lots of personality with full tables to boot. But let's get to the nitty gritty: the food. Lots of great modern American dishes to choose from, but I went with the BIson Burger and my wife has the Bone-in Pork Chop. Both were amazing and succulent. Large portions and a couple of tasty sides made for a satisfying meal from start to finish. With so many glowing reviews, not sure that Yelp! needs my two cents on Proof, but here it is anyway: Definitely worth the visit for some quality downtown dining!
(4)
Sara T.

To be honest, my review will be biased by the fact that this is where my husband took me the night he proposed. But I'm pretty sure my good impression of the food, service and atmosphere would still be good anyway. Our meals were delicious and our server was so nice and fun. It's fun to walk around the museum when you are done with your dinner.
(4)
Dave M.

We arrived around 7pm and were seated in an empty half of the dining room. By 7:45, things began to pick up and we finally began to embrace the energy that is to be expected from a restaurant deemed one of Louisville's "hot spots." My wife and I are self proclaimed non-foodies but we love great food and great experiences. We did out best to piece together a delicious meal but, in the end, weren't wowed. The waiter didn't have the energy I have come to expect from restaurants on the same level as Proof, but that very well could have been due to the lack of energy throughout the restaurant. I would have loved a bit more help and recommendations navigating the menu. I'd recommend Proof, but make sure you arrive post 7:30.
(3)
Linda A.

Delicious brunch! We enjoyed everything about our experience here. Would love to return and stay at the beautiful hotel. If you happen to come to Proof on Main just for the restaurant, please do not leave without touring the hotel and enjoying the unique and beautiful artwork. What a happy surprise for us as we were just driving through Louisville and happened upon this place while taking a little break/walk. Will definitely be back! Oh...and order the greens! Crazy good!
(4)
Anastasia B.

had been here many times. always great: appetizers, main, selection of wine are just to my taste, perfect!!!
(5)
Meg H.

We can't say enough about our experience at Proof. My wife and I (same-sex couple) started the evening with drinks -- the brick and ivy and the late for work. Drinks were refreshing and very tasty. We moved to the dining room where we were greeted by a very friendly staff and our kind waiter, Edward. We started the meal with a subtly delightful Warm ricotta ad toast, followed by country ham falafel and soft shell crab. Our main course consisted of the Roasted chicken and hog chop with a side of greens and crispy fingerling potatoes. In the meantime, Edward brought us complimentary champagne in honor of our anniversary and when we ordered the chocolate goo cake for dessert, it was topped with a celebration candle. The food was top notch, but the manner in which the entire staff made us feel special was priceless. Thank you, Proof.
(5)
Carl A.

It's always a tough decision here. Too many good choices. Come for the food and have a walk around for the art. Great atmosphere and music. I usually only pass through Louisville occasionally for work, but I keep coming back here. The art seems to change frequently as well as the menu. This time I was tempted by the triggerfish, but went for the scallops. The table next to me got the salmon and I was starting to think about changing my order. I'm glad I didn't. The scallops were diced with corn, crispy ham, asparagus and tasted as good as it looked. If you're hungry get an appetizer and side dish. I wasn't but saved enough room for dessert...strawberries and cream with some toasted marshmellow fluff. A perfect balance of sweet and fresh fruit. The cotton candy with the check is a nice touch. I will be back for more. Now it's time to go walk around the museum.
(5)
Laura D.

Good food and drinks, and the servers were friendly. The prices were decent, too. The restaurant is in the 21c Hotel, and I love that you can wander through the gallery while you're there. We had brunch, but I would love to come back for dinner!
(4)
Zach E.

It's worth traveling to Louisville just to eat at Proof. One of the most creative kitchens in town that nails it night after night after night. Get the marrow but really you can't go wrong with anything. Great cocktail program too.
(5)
Greg S.

I've been here for drinks a couple times and last night had drinks and some charcuterie and cheese with a friend and it's a pretty cool place. It's good, but overpriced. The reason I go here is to grab a drink and go walking through the 21c museum. It's a great place to take a date or someone new to Louisville for drinks and to explore the museum and see a unique and fun location in Louisville.
(4)
P. M.

One of the most consistently good restaurants in town. Their food is complex, elegant, and often locally sourced. They aren't afraid to experiment which leads to some missteps every so often, but I'd rather go to a creative place that takes chances than settle for the dull boringness of Jack Fry's.
(4)
Kellie K.

We were staying in the hotel and decided to try Proof for dinner and a drink beforehand on a Sunday night. Upon entering the bar around 5:00 p.m., we were greeted by the bartender as we sat down. She handed us some menus and came back a couple of minutes later, but I was pretty overwhelmed by all the choices, so I asked for just a couple more minutes. After about ten more minutes, I had to get her attention to come back since we were about to walk out; she'd gotten stuck in conversation with one of the other bar patrons. I got a glass of wine and the fella got a bourbon - both were pretty straightforward. The bar itself had the same funky decor as the hotel, but the bar stools had such incredibly low backs that I kept hunching over, and I didn't really have anywhere to hang my purse. Eh. Onto dinner! After our drink, we walked the few steps into the restaurant and were pleasantly greeted by the hostess. We were seated at a table with one side being a long booth seat along the perimeter and the other side being a chair. The fella likes to see the door, so I took the chair, and he took the bench. This usually bums me out since I can't see all the fun stuff going on in the restaurant, but Proof has put in a mirror that runs the length of the bench, so I got to keep an eye on all the excitement. Our waiter brought us some water while we perused the menu, and then brought us another drink to get started. We started with the Brussels sprouts salad ($8), which was light and refreshing. The sprouts were totally shredded, which I wasn't expecting, but it was still a great way to start the meal. For dinner, I got the potato gnocchi ($25) with duck confit and green tomato. I hadn't had gnocchi in awhile, but these were pretty small and few and far between. There was a decent amount of duck, but it didn't have the smokiness I'm used to. The fella got the bison burger ($17), which came with regular fries or truffle fries - seriously, would anyone pick regular fries?? Unfortunately, we kept waiting and waiting for our food to come out as other who came in later than us got their meals before us. Our waiter could see we were started to get antsy, so he came over to tell us that the bison burger takes a while to cook. I'm no chef, but the fella ordered it medium rare - what could take so long? Once it came out, it was pretty darn delicious, and I couldn't stop stealing the fries. For dessert, we went with the sweet potato and fried apple pie ($8) over the goo-goo supreme ($8) since the pie sounded more savory; our waiter said the goo-goo supreme was very sweet. The pie was delicious, and I loved the way the sour cream gelato complemented the caramel, but it was so hard to cut, we had to use a knife. Maybe we hit Proof on an off night, but we just weren't as impressed as many of the other reviewers.
(3)
Nat C.

A group of five of us enjoyed the bar at Proof as part of our mission to earn an Urban Bourbon shirt this week. I shared a five-selection charcuterie platter with a buddy. It was beautifully presented. The Lamb Chopped cheese and whole-seed mustard were particularly tasty. My friends were all happy with their drinks. The ones who used the powder room said there is a video of the eyes of blind people that plays on the bathroom mirror that is creepy. But the art gallery in the back was nice. I chose not to check that out.
(5)
Vincent Y.

Best Fried chicken ever! Awesome pickled kale shrimp salad. Try their homemade ginger ale. Enjoyed the attached museum.
(5)
Angela W.

You avoid a hotel restaurant like you avoid ... well ... a hotel restaurant. But not Proof on Main. Even if you go for a cocktail (they make a perfect Old Fashioned) you'll have done yourself a service, but I highly recommend you keep your perch and order some food. I've dined at Proof many times since its opening, and I am always impressed with its ever-changing, seasonal menu. There's always at least one incredibly delicious vegetarian option (most recently it was a light and savory spring risotto) but of course many tasty-sounding meat dishes abound. Some of the items that can be found year-round are the insanely good cheese grits, and the bison burger, which my husband frequently orders (and in my pre-veghead days, I did too. I still steal his fries. Shoestring cut, perfect dash of salt.) The Proof menu always features a stewed greens side and it pleases me to no end that each time I ask, they tell me they're vegetarian friendly. My husband and I were married at 21c and Proof catered our wedding. Many of our guests said it was the best reception food they'd ever had. Bison sliders. Mini grilled cheese with tomato jam. Truffle popcorn. Knock-out cheese and relish spread. I wish I had eaten more. And I certainly will, next time I'm there.
(5)
Jerry U.

Heavy sigh .... Second shot and once again ..... I really, really wanted to come away with an experience where I said WOW ! Unfortunately, I left disappointed again. Love the room, love the venue, love the overall vibe, and this time - I actually enjoyed most of the food - everything other than my entree. Appetizers - good! Warm ricotta nice - catfish dip was very tasty - and charred octopus while close to tasty - was simply overcooked and way too chewy. On a positive note - their celeriac soup was very tasty. Two thumbs up on the taste combinations that came through on this dish.. Unfortunately, Hog Chop was huge disappointed after big build up from our waiter. It was the most overcooked and chewy pork chop I think I've ever had, Some good flavors in there and decent sides - but just way overcooked. So sad...........
(2)
Kathleen T.

We had a great brunch! The food was incredible and Michelle was an awesome server. It's worth a trip downtown.
(5)
Mike M.

Went here for lunch and the menu was phenomenal. We all shared and everything was amazing the grilled cheese was better than any other grilled cheese sandwich I've had. The bison burger was out of this world. If you like shrimp you must try the shrimp and grits with sautÃ©ed mushrooms. The egg white frittata was okay, possibly a bid on the plane or side compared to everything else but definitely a good light dish.
(5)
Debbie L.

Great ambience and food. Service is slow, slow, slow, slow, slow . . . . Allow at least 2 hours for dinner and don't expect your server to care how long it takes to serve you a meal. Very good cocktails and may be a better idea to just eat in the bar rather than sit forever in the restaurant waiting for food. Our drinks came out fairly promptly. About 45 minutes for the appetizer. About an hour and a half for the entree. We couldn't stay long enough to enjoy our dessert. Again, great place for a long, long leisurely dinner.
(3)
Maureen O.

Words can't quite capture how impressive Proof is. First of all, the gallery is accessible to diners! That's right- After your fine meal, you can casually stroll through a series of intriguing exhibits. And then there's the food. I had the salmon with couscous, and I can honestly say that it's the best salmon I've ever had. It was fresh, juicy, and spiced to perfection. Plus, the portion was just right. Lastly, let's talk about the service. We received excellent service both at the bar and at the dinner table. As an added bonus, the floor manager stopped by our table and kindly provided us with a complimentary drink to celebrate our special occasion. That special touch really won us over. Yes, the prices are a little intimidating, but the unparalleled culinary and cultural experience is well worth it.
(5)
Liz W.

I have eaten here four or so times. The first few times were exceptional in every way--cocktails, service, octopus, all of it. The last time was strange. The server took our drink and appetizer orders and then basically never came back. I was commenting on this at one point, since we could all clearly see him serving a large table at the back but avoiding us like the plague. The manager had bionic hearing, though, and came right over when he heard me comment about this. He and other servers got our orders placed and delivered, but our actual server didn't reappear until the very end. Something about how he had another larger table request him and what can you do? Well, you could give our table to someone else, since they did all the work anyway. The food was fine, though not as memorable as times past. Three out of four good experiences here means I would probably go back, but with lower expectations than in the past.
(3)
Lissa B.

This is my second trip visiting Louisville from Brooklyn and I've had the privilege of trying many good restaurants and this remains the best. The food is excellent, service smooth, and environment both comfortable and interesting. Browsing the 21c gallery after is such a nice way to finish a meal. The menu is a well conceived American-local modern type - with many options including creative vegetables based entrees. This last time our group loved the whipped ricotta, hog chops, cauliflower, several wines (they offer quartino servings) and a wonderful celeriac soup. I am not sure why this was not full on a Friday night - possibly crystal castles etc (albeit playing quietly) isn't the most universal dinner music. I found it comfortable enough but music aside, food, art and experience makes Proof (and 21c) the dining highlight of Louisville. -tip - dinner tried to be more hip than brunch. Yes, it's an artsy place (grandpa may find the large scale photographs too provocative at either time) but brunch is a safer bet for conservative family-
(5)
Kristie T.

A wonderful friend introduced me to this gem pretty recently. We didn't try any food, but looking at the guest's plates it looked divine. I can not wait to try this place out again. Very swanky. Excellent dirty martinis. The art was interesting and the entire place made me feel like I was out of town on an exciting adventure. It was great talking to the guests from out of town staying at the hotel.
(5)
A C.

I visited Louisville with a work conference this weekend really appreciated this restaurant. They seated us right away without a reservation. they didn't even give me a dirty look for not calling ahead. Instead, we enjoyed good service and an absolutely amazing variety of food. We started with the octopus appetizers which everyone at the table loved, even people who claimed not to like octopus. I got the chicken for my entree and was extremely sorry when I became too full to finish it.The meal ends with cotton candy brought in its bright pink glory over to the table. For some reason our waiter forgot to do this, which was just as well since we were all completely stuffed. I also don't hold a grudge against him, because he kindly split our bill into two separate checks for each person (alcohol and food) so that we could do the appropriate receipts for work. The drinks were also very good at this restaurant, though I confess I can't remember which one I got. The only thing that sticks with me is the title of one of the drinks as late to work. We all thought that was really funny, but that is probably because had a long day.
(5)
Samantha H.

The food here was just alright to me. And I went with a party of 12 and that was the general consensus. It certainly wasn't bad, but not worth the price. And there are plenty of other places nearby I can think of that I would rather go to. We ordered all three of the 'First for the Table' which were the octopus, warm ricotta, and meat board. They were all pretty good. I had the pork chop as my entree. It was ok. It had jalapeno marshmallows on it which was a selling point to me because I couldn't imagine leaving without knowing what those tasted like. I wouldn't eat them again but they were ok. The bf got the halibut (or some fish) and wasn't wowed. It was also pretty small. He was still hungry after we left. We all got a few desserts to split and same thing. Also the service wasn't so hot. The server seemed very disinterested and didn't do anything to help us out with splitting all these dishes and let drinks run dry. The decor is really great. And I have always loved 21C Museum and it's free! Definitely go check out the museum. But I don't think the price is worth it for Proof.
(3)
John W.

Gave it another try. We tried to order wine after the apps. First 3 wines we ordered were not in stock. The 4th was bad. We finally got the 5th order as they were cleaning off our entree dishes. I ordered gnocchi. The dish had 8 gnocchi in it and the entire thing could be eaten in 3 bites. If the soup wasn't called pumpkin soup I would have never known there was pumpkin in it. The coffee was lukewarm. In all fairness some of my companions enjoyed their entrees. Did they comp the wine? Of course not. Service was below par. Not a fan. If you are going to charge big boy prices, you need big boy fare and service.go somewhere else.
(1)
Jasmine R.

The last two times I've had friends leave the city we've chosen Proof as the going away dinner spot. And why not? Wouldn't you also choose from the best that louisville has to offer? The food is always good and the atmosphere enjoyable. It's great to be able to have dinner and then wander the gallery with a drink. Would re comment this spot to anyone.
(4)
Michael P.

First of all, big ups to "Foodie" Steve E. for his super boring geographical prejudice, starting out the review below with "Shockingly located in Louisville." We have electricity as well, Steve. Still waiting on indoor plumbing though :-/ Also, foodieism is inherently a socially maligning and classist facet of American culinary culture BUT YO THAT IS A DISCUSSION FOR ANOTHER DAY. The only thing I dislike more than foodieism and Steve's big dumb comment right now is the dinner(s) I had at Proof. OK, to be fair, there are aspects of Proof that are totally great. First, the bar. You can get some totally decent bourbon at a fair price. Second, the service at the both the bar and restaurant is solid. Third, the atmosphere, located in the posh 21C Museum Hotel, is unbeatable. It's always a treat to wander the free exhibits throughout the museum before and/or after dinner. As well, the hallway video installation makes for great Facebook profile pics and the bathrooms are an experience all their own. All that is aces. But the food. Hoo boy, the food. It's like Proof put thought into every other aspect of the restaurant except the food, which is *very unfortunately* the prime directive of a restaurant, right? On my last trip, I tried a few relatively unimpressive things at our table. I went with the scallops. This entree is $32, FYI, and for that price tag you get three (3) scallops, placed at 12, 4, and 8 on your plate, topped with squid ink. Three is as many as three ones (* * * ). So granted, squid ink is TOTALLY FUN to play with. IT GOES EVERYWHERE LMAO. To wit, the presentation was completely adorable and the entree itself was VERY CUTE. However, if I wanted cute, I would simply invest an additional $50 and adopt a puppy or kitten from Metro Animal Services. Not only would I be saving a life, but I'd have a trusty companion and best friend to make memories with for years. Here, I just had, like, this thing to look at. Which I did... I looked at it, thought "ah that's neat," ate it while doing my best not to begrudge my dining experience before making pasta at home an hour later. And I don't eat large portions at all, real talk, for serious! I just felt that, for $32, Chef Levon Wallace was giving me the business and we ain't even met yet! So in inclusion... I dunno. If you want to go feel fancy and sophisticated and enjoy cute food in a room that looks like a page out of Dwell Magazine so you can impress your California friends so much they come to Yelp and write how shocked they are this restaurant is in Louisville... I guess Proof is for you. But for me, fuck all re: that. There are many other restaurants with inspired dishes, creative presentation, and sizable portions for the same price or less (Mayan Cafe comes to mind for example). Oh, by the way, if you are interested in adopting a pet, I cannot encourage it enough! Visit Metro Services - louisvilleky.gov/animalsâ€¦ or The Humane Society - kyhumane.org/adoptions - for more information!
(2)
G.S. J.

Thanks to Proof on Main for a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had called ahead to tell the restaurant that there would be a couple of vegans in our party and to ask if they could be accommodated. Rather than blow off our request with a thrown-together vegetable plate, Chef Levon Wallace crafted an inventive and elegant couscous dish that was as beautiful as it was satisfying. (And my classic turkey dinner was luscious, too.) The chef even visited our table to chat and thank us for "entrusting our holiday" to Proof. I don't normally write Yelp reviews, but service (and food) this good deserves to be celebrated.
(5)
Planters V.

Fantastic Overall Dining Experience Came here to celebrate a mini-reunion with some good ole local KY boys... THe menu can be a bit daunting for the uninitiated. Everything was spot-on. The bison tenderloin (house special) was incredible, and priced ($36) same as angus steak. Very large portion and bone-in. Bourbon flight allows you to pick 12-14-or-20 year. My buddy said the Makers and Coke was "really good" too. I got the triple layer caramel dessert which was awesome after a heavy meal. I tried the "donut", which was too savory for my liking. The waiter came off as a bit too much, with flowery descriptions for everything. All you need to know is they have their own farm...with bison! Loved the decor. The bar area also is good for a meal, and was packed on a Sunday night. Louisville is lucky to have this place Only gripe is that entrees came with very little companions. The kale was literally a teaspoon on top. But for $80, one can get a bourbon flight, octopus appetizer, steak, and dessert (tax and tip). Not bad for a once-a-year meal. Plus the museum is an added attraction If you are brave, the street parking around the block is available after 7pm. $6 valet
(5)
Christin Y.

Went here for after dinner drinks on a Wednesday night on a trip to Louisville. Cool atmosphere. The art museum is interesting to check out. And be sure to pay the restroom a visit. Not sure what the weekend scene looks like, but it was the perfect night cap after dinner.
(4)
Louis B.

My GF and I stopped in here for lunch before going to the Louisville Slugger Museum. I had the charred Octopus and she had the Catfish on polenta. They were both prepared perfectly. I've had the pleasure of working for a multiple James Beard finalist back in St. Louis (Gerard Craft) and can tell you that this place is doing it right! Sit at the bar, Eric provides perfect and attentive service with no hovering or over check backs. Was extremely pleased with my experience. The MOD even checked in on us to make sure everything was in order. This was 20 minutes after lunch service had ended and the place was nearly empty. Very attentive!
(5)
Lisa R.

Delicious mint juleps and excellent service!
(5)
Alex P.

The setup was outstanding. It is a very neat place to eat, very retro. The museum is definitely something to check out when you're there. I had the sea bass and loved it and my girlfriend had the salmon and said it was amazing. Definitely recommend this place if you're trying to dine in style.
(5)
Zach S.

I would tell you what I got to eat but the menu changes constantly. Everything we got we loved. Delicious ginger ale and tonic. Grab a drink and walk around the art museum.
(5)
N Y.

Proof on Main is a good place for a fun and interesting meal. The food is decent, space is well laid out, nice bar area, the staff is friendly and helpful and the museum area is an added feature. The beer, wine and cocktails may be the best feature of the whole place. My group was slightly disappointed by the Sunday Supper they encouraged us to select for our meal. The food was about 60% worth the cost and experience. The portions were very small and food quality was poor for a few items (even one main course - roast pork was terrible!). Light and healthy eaters in our group felt there was not enough food. Overall, the meal was not worth the cost and did not live up to the talk of our server. The bathrooms (both I understand) almost are cool enough to add one star and may be worth having a drink at Proof to check one out.
(2)
Rachael W.

My husband and I came here on a Friday night before seeing a show at the Kentucky Center. It was pretty early (6pm) but a good dinner crowd was starting to roll in. We had reservations and were seated promptly. Atmosphere was pleasant and modern. We started with cocktails - the waitress was very helpful about what to get. I got the KY Strawberry Basil Lemonade. Sweet with a good kick of bourbon - very refreshing on a hot day. My husband got the Death's Grip. It was pretty potent, but lots of flavor. Between our two drinks, they were very different takes on bourbon, but I guess that goes to show how good bourbon is. :) We started with the catfish dip appetizer with the saltines. So delicious, especially with the bit of hot sauce and lemon juice squeezed on top. I ordered the diver scallops and it had a beautiful presentation. They were perfectly seared without being chewy. The sauce and glaze blended together so nicely with the scallop and the asparagus and corn. It wasn't a huge portion, but I definitely had plenty. My husband ordered the bison burger, which was huge especially with the truffle fries. It was cooked medium rare perfectly, and the bacon was thick and just crispy enough without breaking apart on each bite. The sauce for the truffle fries was also delicious, although it was a little too sweet for my liking for that entire plate. Since it was our anniversary dinner, we decided to splurge and get dessert and coffee. I had an espresso and he had the regular coffee. Both were fantastic. We then split the chocolate goo cake with the espresso gelato on top. When paired with our coffees, it was absolute perfection. The cake was moist and tender on the inside with a crunchy exterior. The taste and contrasting textures made for quite the experience. Our check came with the homemade cotton candy - which we didn't even know was coming! It was so light and fluffy and delicious that we could still munch on it after such a satisfying meal. We'll definitely be coming back.
(5)
Chase B.

Great food and service was top-notch
(5)
Gisha J.

My husband and I spent our NYE 2013 at Proof on Main. We were in town for the weekend to visit Louisville and heard Proof on Main was the place to be for NYE. The restaurant is trendy with a great ambiance. The place was packed for dinner with a pre-set dinner menu and then access to the party at the hotel lounge. The restaurant along with the after party was a mixed age group which was nice to see. Dinner was great. The food was delicious along with the drinks. The highlight of our dinner experience at Proof on Main was when our waiter told us an anonymous guest at the restaurant had already paid for our dinner by the end of our meal. My husband and I were in complete shock as we knew nobody else at the restaurant or better yet in Louisville. Our waiter never told us who it was since he had swore to secrecy. Thanks to our waiter and the other staff at Proof on Main (in addition to an amazingly giving guest) for making it a beautiful NYE experience in Louisville.
(4)
Ben K.

Another highlight from a recent road trip was Proof. We were staying in the hotel and didn't want to think too hard where to go eat. Luckily this place is one of the best in Louisville. Great bourbon cocktails, a delicious appetizer with local ricotta and herbs on fresh bread. I had a huge pork chop that was also great. My wife had the vegetarian option of cauliflower which was way too large and difficult to eat, but tasted good. Warm, inviting service from the host to the waitress to the bartender. Finishing with a giant ball of cotton candy put us over the top. Would return.
(4)
Bob H.

Server was very prompt and attentive. Food was great. Had a time restraint due to attending a show. The entire staff was very cordial.
(5)
John G.

Went in to this place on a Wednesday night for dinner. The specials had very unique dishes such as buffalo heart and rabbit. My friend had the buffalo said it was excellent. I had the scallops also very good. It's obvious the food is cooked by an excellent chef. Inexpensive compared to Miami prices for dinner. The cotton candy was a nice touch with the check. We then went to the bar attached to the restaurant. Excellent selection of bourbon. This is apparently one of the stops along the urban bourbon trail. Nice ritzy bar, the bartender knew his job too. By the way this restaurant is apart of an amazing , pretty impressive hotel. Art gallery as well as other neat things. Would definitely return.
(5)
Kevan M.

Booked a special dinner here with my wife and was glad that I did. They serve contemporary American cuisine with a southern feel. As the name suggests, they also feature an outstanding bourbon and cocktail menu. We started with a crisp bean salad. My wife ordered the short ribs with creamed corn and cilantro. I ordered the hog chop (smoked pork chop) with a lettuce and bean salad. We adored our meals. Our server was very friendly and welcoming. I did a flight of 12-year bourbons and a couple glasses of Elmer T Lee. Whew, what a meal! Fantastic!
(5)
Todd M.

Food was amazing. Drinks are very good as well. Wife had bison burger. It was great. Bacon made it over the top. I had short rib. It was also very good. Catfish dip is very good. Service was great. Cotton candy served instead of dinner mints. Overall great experience. .
(5)
Sheryl A.

Went with some friends for dinner after a training session. Ended up going 2 nights in a row because one of my colleagues loves it. The first night I had shrimp and garlic noodles...how can you go wrong with that? And it was one of the few meals on the menu that was less than $20. What I received was what looked like maybe 2 minced (yes, I mean little tiny pieces) of shrimp atop some average pasta. Not much flavor, not enough shrimp in my opinion to call it seafood, and cost $19. Nothing comes with it mind you. Highly disappointed. I had their Ginger ale to drink which was pretty good but not spectacular. The second night I had catfish dip appetizer (good), tried the roasted Brussel sprouts (excellent, I hate Brussel sprouts but loved these), roasted cauliflower for dinner ($18!) which was ok, and we tried the citrus cake/pudding (i wasnt impressed) and apple crostada (definately not impressed). All in all overpriced for the quality of food served. I, and all my colleagues except the one who really loves the place, are not interested in going back.
(3)
Allison H.

I stayed at 21c and came by Proof for a bourbon after dinner - crowded and hopping on a Friday night - then had breakfast before leaving town. Breakfast was the egg sandwich and the 21c breakfast. Fresh challah on the sandwich and greens on the side, and amazingly creamy and delicious grits with the breakfast. Filling but didn't feel stuffed and gross despite the large amounts of butter that I'm sure were used. Prices weren't bad considering it was in the hotel, too.
(4)
Benny R.

It's a shame Proof never attempted to make things right. Having dropped a fairly substantial amount of money into 21C (and the hotel has always been top-notch), it's a shame such a sour experience with the much-less impressive restaurant will prevent me from ever returning. When you hire entitled hipsters, I suppose an indifferent, "we don't need your business" attitude is par for the course.
(1)
Beth H.

Excellent. Expensive. Insanely wonderful art and ambiance. Try to snag a couch. The octopus is out of this world. I love the $10 rye flight. Fries are always yummy. If you catch the gelato truck in the summer make sure to stop.
(5)
Alessio S.

Great food. The bison burger was delicious and the chicken well cooked. I also really like the pineapple cake.
(4)
Cara F.

Hard to find anything that isn't good at this restaurant. I love the atmosphere, the staff, and the food!
(4)
Leigh W.

I love Proof on Main. It's great for lunch, for dinner, for desserts, for a snack or just for drinks. It's a super cool place to be surrounded by an eclectic mix of hip clientele, and it's further enhanced by the attached art gallery. If you're in Louisville for only a short time and looking for a short list of dining options, this should be on it. For bourbon fans, definitely try the New American. Mmm.
(4)
Rhea P.

Very trendy, hip place. I LOVE the decor and the ambiance. I LOVE the art work and music. Great mix of music that makes you want to dance. The servers are young and hip. And it's great to just be in such a trendy place with such a cool vibe. The food is sophisticated. A couple of people in our party did not find anything on the menu they wanted. I ordered butternut squash risotto and weisenberger grits which were both excellent--rich and dense. Dessert was simply FANTASTIC with a deep, flavorful wine. . . Will definitely make an effort to visit again. If you should go, please make sure to check out the art, and visit the restroom.
(4)
Tj P.

As I have been in downtown Louisville pretty regularly over the past week, I figured it was a pretty opportune occasion to visit a few restaurants I had on the wishlist. Based on all the previous reviews and reputation, I've been itching to go to Proof for awhile. It's always interesting to check a place out during lunch on an average weekday. It's a real litmus test to the character of a place if the attitude holds true even at an off-time. Unfortunately, I don't think it does. Proof is a beautiful place, part restaurant, part art museum, your eye wanders around in the attempt to take everything in. In this regard, it's definitely a spot to drop in on. I decided to eat my lunch in the bar area since I was adventuring on my own and quickly discovered that the bar stools are not meant for any sort of comfort. Reminiscent of sitting on a hardwood church pew with no back support, these seats were not meant to spend much time in. The bar I suspect is strictly meant as a waiting lounge. And I surmise the couches on either end get to be prime seating during those evenings where waiting for a table could become excruciating. The bartender, busy doing her morning routine of stocking, wasn't particularly friendly, nor particularly unfriendly, simply doing her work, customers seated in her area basically an afterthought. She took my order, a bison burger which I'd heard good things about, and promptly put it in. It took about 35 minutes from this point to actual receipt of order, far longer than it should've taken considering the light business at the time (strike 1.) I asked the bartender for utensils which should have been given as soon as I was seated (strike 2.) Served with fries, the burger was nothing spectacular, the flavors were basic, a sharp cheddar, some bacon, the burger a little overcooked but I can forgive that. Served with shoestring fries which were a little under-cooked as if cooked in oil that was not quite to temperature. Immediately after I finished, she brought me the check, which was strike three. She didn't ask if I was interested in dessert or anything else, simply 'here's the check,' which is basically a call to please leave now. Which I did promptly. Thank you very much.
(2)
Lee Ann S.

Enjoyed an excellent meal here. Start to finish was all exceptional. Standouts include the ricotta and the bone marrow appetizer. I definitely plan to bring out of town visitors here.
(4)
Madeline O.

We recently took a small group to Proof for lunch after our late-morning nuptials at the nearby downtown Court House. Proof was so accommodating! This was not a big group at all... they could have easily brushed us off. We delivered the flower centerpiece and wedding cake the night before for them to keep in their refrigerator. I was a little nervous thinking of all the bad things that could have happened to such precious cargo. The next day we arrived at 11:00 am and everything was set up perfectly! They put us near the open kitchen where they do not normally seat for lunch. It was quiet and intimate enough for us. The food was excellent and the service was great. Thanks for being apart of our special day and making our small wedding a big deal.
(4)
Gregg C.

Great drinks! Great food! Nice atmosphere and location.
(4)
Victoria W.

The place is warm and inviting and hospitable. The food was only OK - no more. The grilled octopus was too salty and not great. Although the waiter claimed almost anything could be made gluten free in reality some surprising things were not gluten free - that I would not have predicted from the menu. This included icecream and yellowtail tuna that did not mention soy sauce but apparently had it as an ingredient. One of the starters was not available. The white wine came quite warm and we had to wait for it to be chilled to be drinkable. To cap it all when the bill came we were charged $38 for a $30 bottle of wine - corrected of course when I pointed it out. Overall not a great experience - although the hotel itself is fantastic and artsy and fun.
(2)
Drew H.

Proof, has always been hit or miss. The service is not up to par with other restaurants in the same price range. Last night I had the prawn special, it was special alright, the prawn were the size of small shrimp. One of mangers was asked for a wine suggestion, he rattled off the selection so fast making you go cross eyed. Not slowly guiding the customer through menu. We would have said something but he was too busy to ask how things were. I ordered my 2nd beer which arrived after all food was cleared from the table. Beer for dessert if not a bad thing but not what I ordered it for. Much better service and value can be had at Jack Frys. Same money but a much different experience.
(1)
Beth S.

We found this restaurant via a Google search for "best restaurant in Louisville." It did not disappoint. We started with appetizers, Chick Pea & Country Ham Fritters with treviso, olives & grain mustard and the Local Mixed Lettuces with shaved radish, pecorino & vinaigrette. Both were delicious - even though I'm not a fan of cabbage, I still loved the chick pea dish. Our entrees were amazing. The scallops on lemon risotto tasted fresh and were cooked perfectly. The lemon risotto was creamy with a perfectly lemony flavor that complimented the scallops beautifully. The only disappointment was the wine list; since Louisville is bourbon country, the focus is mainly there, rather than a wine list with much variety. But the cabernet I had was nice and smooth, so that's a small thing. Service is friendly and solicitous and the decor is modern and upscale. Great location in Downtown Louisville on Main Street. It's really a don't-miss if you're in town.
(5)
Michael E.

Proof on Main came highly recommended by people on Yelp as well as other avenues of research. We strolled into the restaurant with Opentable.com reservations previously made. The restaurant had a loud buzz running through it. We were seated at the banquet, which is normally great for me, but there's a mirror on the back of the banquet so I was quite distracted for most of the meal. I was trying to take in all the nuances of the restaurant, from the art work on the walls, to the penguins that are the mascot of the restaurant, which made me a slightly more than inattentive boyfriend. Krista was our server and we were mullng over the wine list. The quartino's were a different grouping of wines, and there was a Temperanillo on their carafe list. So we went with that. The wine was smooth with not as much bite as other of the same varietal, but still exhibiting the same pepperiness that the grapes hold. We then discussed the menu with Krista and she pointed us to the octopus to start. A couple slices of toast with the octopus spice blend came out first and seriously jump stated our appetite. Since this was date night, we went with a mid-course of a half order of the gnocchi. The mushrooms, pumpkin and sage all melded together to bring forth thoughts of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. For my main I went with the pork chop, wrapped in bacon, with grilled brocollini and radishes. The chop was a bone in version and was easily 2 to 2.5 inches thick. It was easily one of the most moist chops I've ever had. I had to ask what the brine was since I can't even get a chop half as thick, fully cooked without some aspect of drying out. Brit had the skirt steak. Shaved brussel sprouts and celery. The skirt steak was juicy and tender, and packed with flavor. The brussel sprouts were raw shavings and while being a bit of an odd contrast, didn't necessarily add any flavor but added some textural nuances. At this point, we were two bottles in and I wanted to find out more about this penguin motif. They ring the roof of the building; they're used as direction indicators by the staff. Krista sent the general manager Karlton over and we talked to him for a good 20 minutes. He told us the history of the restaurant, the idea of the museum and gave us some info about the food. At this point, I had to ask Karlton where else is there in the city that he as a restaurant employee would go to. A tip for everyone, is to ask the staff at any great restaurant, because the staff knows the inner workings of the restaurant vibe of any city. He pointed us to the direction of Hillbilly Tea (please see that review). We wrapped up the night with a mug of salted caramel pudding, creamy sweet and just the right thing to end the night with. When our tab showed up it was accompanied by a mug of cotton candy. Something sweet to take the bite out of looking at the bill. All in all a great evening and a wonderful gastronomical adventure.
(4)
Charles G.

Spent a weekend in Louisville and had dinner here on Friday. Valet p[parking was convenient, bourbons were well represented. Usually I judge a eatery on its Martinis but when in Rome ... Service was above average and food excellent. Strongly recommend.
(5)
Jordan M.

Very different place. If you are looking for unique, quirky place, Proof is it. It fits the motto "keep Louisville weird" very well. You have to be slighly adventurous and keep an open mind. Some things on the menu may sound... interesting... but taste AMAZING. Their drinks are also delightful. This a very fun place. Also, be sure you use the restrooms while you are there.
(5)
Stef M.

Great food, excellent service! Top notch place. The bison burger was delish, and the gnocchi with pumpkin and crumb topping was too! Tried the Temperanillo wine on the suggestion of another reader - was good, but the Malbec was the #1 to our sophisticated taste buds. A tad pricey and no discounts available, everything was ala carte, and wine by the glass $14-15. The cotton candy was a pleasant finish to the meal. Note that if you plan to go here on a holiday/holiday weekend, check for street closures in advance. Every other street was closed to vehicular traffic because the city of Louisville was preparing for an event the next day. We just barely made our reservation on time. Very interesting art in the adjacent museum/hotel on your way to the restroom.
(4)
Larry W.

Decor a bit on the modern-minimalist side for our taste, but the food was "tasting" great despite a lukewarm serving of soup. Wine list ok....whisky and bourbon list excellent but that's to br expected.
(5)
Steve E.

Shockingly located in Louisville, this is one of my favorite restaurants in the world ! Great food, wine, art and fun things in the museum and all around. A MUST do!!
(5)
Rachel F.

So gotta break this down. 5 stars for the bar. 3 stars for the restaurant. Love this bar. It is upscale but not stuffy. Unique, out there, the art is fantastic. Drinks are really awesome. Great couches and high top tables. Love the crazy sculpture on the corner of the bar with apple. Awesomeness. Oh, and boozy snow cones rock. The restaurant is good. The food is good. Been here several times for lunch and I'm always satisfied, just find it a bit overrated and overpriced for its "innovation." That being said, the atmosphere is great. Worth experiencing but not my go to.
(4)
Betsy A.

Holy Truffle Fries! My regular date and I stop in here occasionally for a late night bite. Their cocktails are inconsistent (taste completely different, depending on who makes them) and the wine list is on the expensive side. Last time, I got the Vinho Verde, simply because it was the cheapest one (I'm not ashamed to admit I was a bit short on cash) and it was QUITE GOOD! Much better than the Malbec I had had the last time I'd ordered wine there. I think their beers (for bottles) are a little pricy, too... but then I remind myself that they are a hotel bar. The Bison burger is the best one I've every had. I just can't shell out $17 for a burger on a regular basis. It does, however, come with their amazing Truffle Fries (a large portion a la carte is $8), so when you look at it that way, it's not a bad price for the burger. What we really love is the cheese plate. Since moving to Louisville, we have been on a quest to replace our cheese plate from BottleRock in Culver City, CA. We've found it here. The accompaniments change up with the cheeses on a regular basis, and everything on the plate compliments everything else nicely. The service is friendly, but a bit slow at times. We've never eaten in the restaurant; only in the cocktail area and the bar. Service at the bar is better than service at a cocktail table.
(4)
Denise M.

The service was great!! I appreciated the staff more then the food! Although they cooked the broccoli rabe correctly. Most restaurants don't blanch them then sautee to remove the bitterness. They DID earning them a 4...really 4.5 star review!! If you like good food and something upscale but different then come here! Then explore the museum after and take in the art work. It's beautiful and sometimes open to the public. Highly recommended! :) Cheers!!
(4)
John G.

Excellent choice in Louisville. Reminds me of several top restaurants in SF. I tried the ham and goat cheese falafel, bison burger with bacon and the chocolate mousse for dessert. The art work is intriguing and the service is very good.
(5)
Zach Y.

We asked a bartender where we should go to experience Louisville in one night, and he recommended Proof. (Actually, he raised one eyebrow and said, "You want to experience Louisville on a WEDNESDAY?" Then he recommended Proof.) Drinks were well made and delicious, and it was nice being able to wander the hotel lobby and look at the artwork. The explanation mentioned that it was an exhibit by an "artist living in Brooklyn"- which, let's be honest, is every liberal arts major I went to college with. Honestly, though, it was still a pretty cool experience. One star off because our server didn't seem all that interested in serving us and accidentally charged someone else's bill on my card.
(4)
Laura C.

Excellent service and food!
(4)
Alex K.

Always a great experience. My favorite place to go late night in Louisville. Quite pricey, but I don't live there so why not? I got the pork chops, which were awesome. Finished every bite. My friends rave about the Bison burger, which is extremely delicious. After the meal it's off to the museum to look at the fun things, and visit the men's room with the one way mirror. Funny thing is my friend noticed you can see people's silhouettes from outside if you look closely. Not enough to make anything out though. Still a fun novelty. Love this place!
(5)
Kathleen W.

It was a business meeting - so prior to the actual negotiations, reservations were made here for our party of 7 for a Monday night. I think they recognized the business nature of the gathering (and that it wasn't a bachelor / boys night out since I was the lone female in the crowd dressed in a fashionable, but comfortable for 95 degree weather outfit) and they seated us in a separate and slightly less full dining room. This made conversation easier. The food is very San Francisco or major metropolitan. It was also the least deep fried of all the food I ended up eating for the week. We had an assortment of the appetizers (whipped ricotta, octopus and several of the ciabatta). All were tasty ... but the octopus had the best flavor. For my entree, I had the Berkshire pork - which was very good (but how do you screw up a pork chop?) and was coaxed into the peach tarte for dessert. The dessert was the least interesting of everything I ate. As for drinks, the Gold rush is awesome. It's pretty much a cold Hot Toddy.
(4)
Pascal M.

I've often heard, "the proof is in the pudding." For Proof on Main, the proof is everywhere around you. It's impossible not to notice the thought provoking artwork all around the restaurant. My favorite is the statue of the boyish devil offering the temptation of forbidden fruit. It's sadistic and humorous, pretty cool. There are plenty of erotic pictures & paintings, statues, and a very cool bathroom to provide a high level of artisticness to your dining experience. The bar is the only area I've dined in, but the main dining area looks elegant. From my bar stool, it's apparent they welcome an type of diner. They have high top tables and a lounge area that looks like a blast to relax at while you order a round of appetizers and sip on a cocktail before you sit down, go out, or are coming back to your hotel. Their drink menu is impressive. They have a large selection of well crafted mixed drinks, along with an awesome selection of wines, spirits, and cordials. Proof has delivered on good food each time I've visited. They change their menu from time to time, probably with the season. Having confidence in a restaurant that's always going to offer you something different is one of the most admirable qualities a restaurant can provide it's diners (IMO). They've got a nice selection of small plates worth sharing, soups and salads that always sound interesting, and great variety when it comes to their main dishes. Plus, they usually have something vegetarian if that's yo' thang'. Proof on Main is a memorable dining experience. It's location and interior alone will embed itself in you culinary memory for a while. The food and drink should also leave you feeling good.
(4)
Molly S.

Excellent cocktails, really nice location (definitely check out the free art at 21C). The thing is, the prices are really high for Louisville and Louisville is a place where you can get a good cheap cocktail. See 21C but head down the road to Nulu for a cheaper drink.
(3)
Tamara M.

Loved Proof!!! Was at an event across the street at a museum, a local recommended Proof, and we were enthralled. Where else can you dine under a stuffed elk made of shoes and jeans, order crazy menu items like "Bison Nduja" - and then pair it with a PBR?? And to top it off, they had Dumante Verdanoce (which I also just discovered on the same trip) available as a dessert liqueur. Leave yourself extra time if you need to visit the restrooms - the trip through the surrounding 21C hotel includes loads of diverse artist installations. They had a great photo exhibit from Simen Johan while we were there... Who knew Louisville was this urban? Totally dug it! Oh, and our waiter completely put up with our remedial humour, which gained him extra bonus points.
(5)
Scot W.

Great brunch spot. It is attached to the museum hotel, which looked very swank but is probably incredibly expensive. The atmosphere is great; open, light, cool artwork on the walls. The staff is friendly but not overbearing. We went for brunch; I had their version of eggs Benedict, which is served over grits cakes rather than an English muffin. It was an interesting take and was very good. It needed some additional salt and pepper to stand out, but it was perfectly cooked. The side of greens that came with it was excellent; the dressing had a really strong, great flavor. My dining companion had the oatmeal and a side of mixed berries. She said it was great, although the blackberries were not perfectly ripe, as could be expected in November. All in all, a great spot for brunch and their lunch menu sounded excellent.
(4)
Melanie K.

Who did I just rub elbows with? I find myself pooled towards a solid nightlife of fantastic cocktails, interesting conversation, a little art, and socializing. Proof on Main is the perfect storm to suit this flavor. Located downtown in the Nation's #1 Hotel 21C, you can have all the local big wigs and some out of town honchos sitting down the bar stool talking shop. I have run into many amazing people in this venue, who believe because I am there, we can chat on the same level with each other. Focusing only on Proof and not the amazing attached hotel (PS PLEASE CHECK OUT), this restaurant offers a perfect place to upgrade any evening. Cocktails are always rotating to support local farmers and so does the menu. Although the Bison Burger with Weisenberger Grits are my favorite staple. I always am excited to see the Chacuterie plate with local cheeses and pate's. My favorite cocktail is the Goldrush made with Woodford Bourbon and local honey and it melts me back to neutral every time. The staff is always interesting, professional, and prompt. There is always art displayed on the interior walls that rotate, and there is plenty of windows to light up the inside and create a intimate atmosphere at night. Everything about this restaurant just support the evidence of why it is awesome. Read the review and see the Proof!
(5)
Courtney S.

Trendy restaurant with ever-changing menu. All food is from local farmers. I wasn't too pleased with the vegetarian options and it is pretty pricey, but the cool modern decor and free cotton candy dessert at the end made up for it. Great wine list and I love the hip servers. The bathroom is cool too- you have to cut through the museum to get to it and it has a one way mirror lol. It is funny to be washing your hands and see people fixing their hair or adjusting their clothes on the other side, not realizing it is a bathroom "window" they are looking in to :-)
(4)
Josh Q.

I went into our trip to Louisville really knowing nothing about it. The trip on a whole was fantastic but Proof had to be the highlight. It was good enough to get me beyond the terrible luxury brand car interior photographs even. Everything we had from cocktails and appetizers right through to desert was perfect. I am not even a desert guy and that was probably the highlight of the meal for me. Worth every penny and can't wait to return.
(5)
Beth L.

It was a great experience to dine at Proof! All three of us loved it and I'm sure we usually dine at different types of places. Located in the 21C museum/hotel, it's a special place as you can check out the exhibits and space before/after/during dinner. The bar area is very lively. The food was probably 3.5 stars, but everything else lifts it up a star. Loved the cocktail menu and the wine list. We ordered the octopus app, which I'd read about and it didn't disappoint. So citrusy and great. A little too salty, but definitely good. Let me break it down this way... 5 Stars: The original bread (NOT the bread that was served just a little later in the eve. This bread comes from a local bakery and it was incredible...just normal french bread with a delectable crust and flavor). Thing is, if you came a little later and had bread #2 and had never known bread #1, the bread would be fine. It's only because we had bread #1 that we really hated #2. Also 5 stars: the atmosphere--the fact that you can have a feast for the eyes and the stomach in one visit. 4 Stars: Cocktail menu. Creative, delicious concoctions. Octopus app. 3.5 Stars: The food. I had the Lake Walleye with sweet corn 'fregola', watercress, shellfish broth. It was light and fresh but not at all fabulous or memorable. My dining companions were happy with their food (I don't recall what they had) but not ecstatic. The atmosphere (and bread) made up for it though!
(4)
Daniel H.

So close to five stars. I'll get the bad stuff out of the way. First, the rancid smell when walking in. Was just so strange. Second, a more than 20 minute wait before being noticed at the bar. Last I looked in the mirror, I wasn't invisible, and I'm not overly grotesque to the point that someone would avoid trying to serve me. What's up with that? (If you're thinking they were busy, please realize I would've mentioned that already.) Anyway, I did get served, and had a delicious Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale (Lexington, KY). At nine dollars, it had better have been good, and it was. After a minute or two with my beer, the hostess let me know they could seat me (party of one this time). And the rest of the night was all good. Let me pause - this was my first trip to Kentucky. I'm continually impressed by the food offered in this part of the country. It's absolutely false that only the coasts have tremendous cuisine. Moving on. Charred octopus. D-LISHUS (delicious). It was the perfect start to what came next. Ricotta gnocchi. Raise an eyebrow at that one? I did too. Think about a lightly breaded, thin layer of gnocchi wrapped around a waaarm, gooooey, delectable ball of ricotta cheese. Titillating. Tantalizing. Taste bud. Overload. These five or six dumplings sat in a leg of lamb broth - the bits of the lamb inside - oh so good. My side? Collard greens. Best I've ever had. Simple vegetable delight. I also enjoyed another beer, a BBC Dark Star Porter (Louisville, KY). Dessert. An enigma called the Creamsicle. This is a deconstructed cake a la mode. Picture: a thin runway of torched yogurt that lay as the base to several pieces of mandarin orange, cookie crumbs, ripped apart pieces of sponge cake, and an orange/peach sorbet. Light, refreshing, wowzers. So I spent 85 dollars on dinner for one. So what? This place may have gotten 5 stars if not for the wait and awkward introduction. Proof on Main. I'm living proof that this should be one of your main choices for dinner next time you're in Louisville.
(4)
Harry E.

Do not miss the Bison burger. Do not let the octopus appetizer go un-ordered. Great bar, even better bartenders. Fun art.
(5)
Gilford S.

Stop by once a year when I'm in town. Last visit was not so grand. I can't stand servers that willfully ignore me. The deep fried Chickpeas were an abomination too. Admittedly have had much better meals there. Hope it was a one-time thing.
(3)
Christopher B.

This place is so hip, you can taste it when you walk in. Celeb sightings, art gallery drinking, cool decor... Proof has a lot of redeeming qualities (the staff is usually great as well). The prices hold me back from a 5 star rating. The food has mellowed out since the place opened, but the bar can still be plenty of fun.
(4)
Adriana R.

Proof has the best drinks in town from their ice old martinis with creamy bleu cheese olives that melt in your mouth, to an extensive & impressive bourbon list. Their food is so special. Who would've thought a chocolate tort with black peppercorn gelato wolfs be so heavenly? The only thing that's better is their expert & attentive service! Can't wait to return.
(5)
Eve V.

I admit it, we are Proofaholics. We visit here quite frequently because my husband works next door and he has decided he wants to live on the minted pea toast forever. I have only dined here with my adorable , well-behaved, perfectly mannered ( at this point I'm really hoping my special " sarcasm font" is visible) children. At Proof when you bring in your children, they give you red penguin "silly bandz" .. This works wonders for children and they love them until one of them snaps the other one's and it flies under the table and the child with the broken " bracelet" almost cries until the waiter brings over the 21c's red plastic penguin mascot to dine with your child. And asks if you need another Bloody Mary, which is made perfectly spiced with some sort of sparkling soda which is fantastic. And you can order popcorn as an appetizer, which they grow on their farm. The food at Proof is consistently good. the chef Michael Paley creates menus based on local farm ingredients and the food is innovative and interesting without crawling into gastromolecular foofoo territory. Proof is housed in the " art hotel" 21c so it's fantastic to wander the exhibits before your meal and the dining room art changes frequently so there is always something new to see. Service is consistently attentive. It's not the cheapest meal in the 'Ville but it's definitely worth it.
(5)
Nick C.

We were in Louisville for a conference and did not want to go to fourth street live, which is the tourist trap every concierge told us to go to. Instead we were told about Proof by some locals. The food was excellent, the mint juleps were so good even my fiance liked them (which is a big feat since she doesn't like bourbon), and the service was efficient. The real gem of this place is the art gallery attached to the restaurant. We were able to take our drinks and go look at the art (modern Cuban exhibit when we were there). Make sure to give yourself time to enjoy the food and the art when you go.
(4)
Stacy N.

Wonderful, inventive food and cocktails. Everything was delish. Loved the roasted bones. My husband enjoyed the buffalo burger so much that we went back the next day for lunch (no complaints here). 5 pts for food, service, and atmosphere. We will definitely be returning the next time we are in downtown Louisville.
(5)
David M.

After a five hour drive from Memphis, if this was the only experience we had in Louisville, it would be more than worth it. We showed up at 10pm for a full dinner and were greeted by fantastic and enthusiastic service. BTW - John was our server and was fantastic with great suggestions without too much pressure. Meal highlights .... Octopus was fantastic. Cheese plate, not so much for the cheese, but the smoked grapes and truffle infused honey that came with the cheese was a pairing that couldn't be beat. The fennel soup was fresh and complemented by a sweet brioche, pickled shrimp, and fresh lovage which were flavors that I could never have imagined together but absolutely loved. The best entree was the tender short ribs with ricotta salata and crunchy summer beans and Fresno peppers. For dessert we had cherry bourbon gelato and dark chocolate terrine with pistachios. For drink ... Noah Mills was my favorite bourbon out of six different tastings ... It was a tad sweet with maybe honey and slight fruit. Not too hot and easy to drink. For the after dinner drink, the Dumanti? with pistachio flavor. It was developed in Louisville but produced in Italy. Think there is more to the story on that one. Plus, the artwork restaurant and connecting hotel were beautiful and eclectic, even in the must-see bathrooms. Overall, the meal, drinks, service and atmosphere were a montage of flavors that you never would have thought of putting together, but once you experience them you will be overwhelmed.
(5)
Ryan L.

Perfect fit for the art museum crowd. Bison burger was unique and tasty with a delicious sauce unlike any I've ever had. Friendly staff, good service - I'd go back if I'm in Louisville again, even though I don't feel yuppie enough to fit in :)
(4)
Lauren C.

I ended up at Proof on Main after reading about it in Imbibe Magazine and then again in the Urban Bourbon Trail Passport. Imbibe never gets it wrong. I had a flight of Pappy Van Winkles' and a flight of the Old Forester, a cheese plate, pork chop, mint julep, and the bison burger. The bison burger was amazing! So juicy and delicious! The pork chop, so flavorful! The cheeses! Cheese!! I'm looking forward to another trip to Louisville so I can eat more of the menu in such a cool, comfortable setting.
(5)
Russ J.

Went to Proof on Main for dinner and had to go back for lunch the next day! Very interesting place as part of the 21C Museum Hotel, even a trip to the bathroom is enjoyable. Food was very creative, highly recommend the octupus appetizer, amazing. Service wonderful, when I didn't like the split-pea soup they immediately struck it from our order and gave us some of the chocolate sorbet free of charge. Great service, wonderful food, great atmosphere.
(4)
Eli B.

I can't say that this is the most objective review. I swung by right before catching a flight because my coworker said she wouldn't speak to me ever again if I didn't. I had the butternut squash soup, a bloody mary and had to take my grilled cheese sandwich to go. OH baby...that soup and bloody mary was amazing. But even better was the ambiance, and the pate on the little piece of toast that comes with it. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Lots of thought in simple things. My fave. And the soggy, cold french fries and grilled cheese I ate somewhere over Colorado three hours later were also pretty fabulous being what they were.
(5)
Alison B.

It's hard to rate this place - the food was great but I think we started to sweat blood actually reading the menu! Thank goodness for yelp as I would never have had any clue what to order. The menu is in some indiscernible foreign language so we had to ask the waiters to explain what was what. It definitely was not a typical menu - nothing really jumped out at me and made my mouth start to water. However, thanks to yelp and suggestions, we got the octopus and the fritters as a starter. The octopus was amazing and we wouldn't let them touch the dish until we'd finished it all. The fritters were all right but didnt really appeal to my taste. The main courses we got the buffalo burger which was wonderful and the bacon wrapped pork chop - delectable! The tastes were fantastic! Dessert was the peanut butter canoli - it would have been better without the peanut butter flavor - I don't think I'd order that again. We also got the cherry lime sorbet - great! The cotton candy thing that they bring at the end, kind of like the typical dinner mints that come with the check, was a little odd, but was a fun treat. Staff was very very friendly and helpful. They would have done anything to help us. The ambience was very nice and unique. Quite an interesting place and my hotel concierge was so excited that we got a reservation. I think I would definitely recommend Proof if you like unique dining experiences!
(4)
Mike G.

Review limited to drinks. Excellent
(4)
Ingrid C.

I. Love. Proof. Some of my best memories in Louisville took place in this bar: - My girls (fellow interns) took me here for a goodbye/birthday dinner - I had a nervous lunch (light, fish - brain food) before my first interview here - I met my gay lover at the bar Me: Excuse me, sir, are you still serving dinner? Bar manager: Yes! Would you like to sit in the booth over there? Me: But then I have no one to talk to... Guy at bar/Future Gay Lover/Bestie: Come sit next to me (pats stool next to him) Thus, three hours later, a new friendship was born, and I had a good friend in Louisville. I haven't had a bad meal experience. This is one of Louisville's gems. I wish they had the Lavender Manhattan thing was on the regular bar menu.
(5)
Valerie F.

Fun and different cocktails and atmosphere. Take your drink and walk around the museum. My boyfriend and I had a few good laughs, especially after leaving our respective bathrooms. Very interesting and worth a stop!
(5)
Michael C.

Amazing. Cucumber gazpacho and bison burger were excellent as was the bourbon sour. Great art, vibe and service. Top notch. Not to be missed.
(5)
Betts C.

Absolutely amazing food. The design concept is complex for the city, and the food does in fact rival that which I can get in my current hometown of NYC. The service is great, and the 21C Museum Hotel is gorgeous as well. The Pim's cup is worth having, perhaps multiples of it are even better. Each course that we ate also just seemed to improve, and the daily specials were an excellent addition to the regular menu. With complicated versions of everyday food prepared exactly as it should be, Proof on Main definitely exemplifies new American food at its finest.
(5)
Gregory S.

When I lived in Louisville I tried to make it here as many times as possible, whether it was for an after work drink or dinner, the place was very cool. The decor was eclectic to say the least. The bar has any type of liquor you want, obviously focusing on bourbons, of which they have a great selection. As I said earlier the decor is eclectic. The bar has numerous pictures of people on the wall, some of them famous and features bronze statues. As far as the dining area, the bison burger is very good and is healthy at the same time. I would start with the octopus for everyone to sample. The grits are also very good to accompany the burger. You don't see this type of establishment in Kentucky which makes it such a pleasant surprise and hopefully when I ever go back and visit the city, it is still as good as it is!
(4)
Sarah L.

The vibe is way cool, the bar is stocked with great cocktail options, and the menu is very intriguing. Service was outstanding. The drawbacks: Wine was priced rather high and selection by the glass was just average. Would have expected better from a place like Proof. Food was good, not great. We had the Bison Tartare, and while the bison was tasty and tender, it was overpowered by the strong flavor of the Worcestershire sauce. The Gulf Coast Shrimp Risotto wasn't exceptional either. Some shrimp were served with the heads on, others not, which I found peculiar. The risotto was a good consistency, but the daikon and soybeans were just kinda thrown in there. The hotel definitely outpaced the restaurant. We'll return for sure, just hope that our next menu selections live up to the hype.
(4)
Monica H.

Delicious salads! Even for breakfast! They made me a delicious vegan salad! Local lettuces + cold chickpea side. The space is super pleasant, waitstaff is accommodating and friendly. Great atmosphere and great hang for big groups. The bar is big and stayed opened until around 1:45-2A each night we were there (Nov. 2011).
(5)
Lis F.

Amazing decor but pretty tasteless food. We went for breakfast and had the Benedict and 21c breakfast platter. The coffee was amazing, I must say. All in all too pricy for what it is.
(2)
Tom H.

This restaurant is not for everyone...but if you are looking for creative dishes wonderfully prepared with great service, you will be happy with this choice. Much of the menu offered variations of food that I had not seen before but worked perfectly. The couple next to us left as they could not find anything "traditional" on the menu. It was definitely their loss.
(4)
Chris C.

Dined here yesterday. Grilled chicken sandwich is phenomenal. Country Ham / Chick Pea fritters were really, really good. But it's more in the style of a polenta fry than an actual fritter. Still, really good. Wine selection is good, and the service was excellent. Will be coming here again for sure.
(5)
Shirley L.

Very interesting place to eat and enjoy art work at the same time. Take time to walk through it's art gallery after dinner. There are many unusual contemporary pieces!
(4)
Miguel H.

Hi there: I don't mean to come off like a New York Food Snob, but alas maybe I am! So after much spectacle, I decided to venture to Proof last week while attending a nearby conference; I wanted to experience what the fanfare and spectacle was. Before I continue, and deflate what is promised to probably be a controversial rating, the museum that you get to browse in is awesome! So in regards to the overall experience, I would give it a four 'cause you get to also visit the museum. Anyway, the food. I ordered the garbanzo bean and ham fritters. Delicious but not spectacular. They come under a small salad and are the size of two very big steak fries. Yummy, but texturally they are kind of little french toast sticks. Then I received the bison burger, which was pretty far out and comes with this delicious dipping sauce and shoestring fries. It is a kingdom unto itself! So, in essence, though the food is good it wasn't breathtaking, and I feel that I have to report on that because everyone kept harping about it.
(3)
Amy C.

It was my niece's choice for her birthday celebration. The appetizer's were great. I had the smoked pork chop and I enjoyed it. Everyone else in our party seemed please with their entrees. The desserts were just as wonderful. Overall, the food was good and ambiance was great.
(4)
Jamie C.

This was my second time eating there. Husband and I spent about 3 hours dining and had just an amazing time trying the different cocktails, eating appetizers, and we were so full by when the entrees came but we kept eating because everything was so good. My bison burger did come out undercooked but they were quite quick to remedy the issue and it came back perfectly. It was no big deal at all. The ham fritters are my favorite appetizer and the charcuterie board is a must. Impeccable service and a great experience to enjoy with someone.
(5)
Caroline C.

We had a lovely breakfast here. The environment was enhanced by the unique, eclectic artwork throughout. The choices were fairly standard but extremely well done. The grits were beautifully cooked as were the eggs. We even gave the chef a challenge by ordering our eggs basted and they came out perfectly. The coffee was fabulous. Our only disappointment was the scones. They were only okay, a bit dry and lacking in flavor.
(4)
Patrick C.

Lunch is amazing and well-priced. The decor is the best in Louisville by far. I went for dinner once. Skip it. Our waiter spilled wine on our table and was seldom seen. Service was slow. My dinner (lobster paparadelle) was $28 and had like 4 noodles and a small piece of lobster claw meat. I've never been so disappointed in the size of an entree before. Disappointing.
(3)
Amy G.

I've been loving Proof for years. But, the last 2 times have been very mediocre. And if I want mediocre, I would go to about a million other places and spend way less. The server was nice, not very attentive. Served us drinks that he knew weren't made correctly...and only told us after we both took a sip and sent it back...that they didn't have the main ingredient ($11 drink btw). I always order the burger. It's stellar. I always order very medium because they are notorious for serving a bloody mess. Shocker....it was a bloody mess. It was barely medium rare. I could barely eat it. If I want rare....medium rare, I would order it. This is always expected, however. Lastly, I used to love love love the salted caramel gelato. We ordered it...and again, it was not what we ordered. Vanilla is not salted caramel. We mentioned it again...and the server agreed that it wasn't the usual gorgeous caramelly brown, and maybe it didn't have all the ingredients. What? I was in the restaurant biz for many years. I'm polite when I return things. But, this has happened the last 2 visits to Proof. This type of thing at that type of restaurant should not become standard. I'm going to give trips to Proof a rest for awhile. Jack Fry's here I come!!! The up side....brussel sprouts were divine.
(2)
Lauren B.

Everything is always delicious and the ambience is perfect. Went back for the 2nd time for thanksgiving, and we loved it. The sweet potato pie w/ smoked gelato was to die for. The only reason for four stars is the service. Both times we felt the service was slow and we were an afterthought. My husband and I look young and work in the device industry and felt for a restaurant of Proof's caliber should always have exemplary service.
(4)
Catherine W.

Enjoyed the food and experience at this restaurant. The interior of the restaurant is interesting because of the modern art on the walls and in installation form. It is connected to a museum that you can walk through after your meal. The meal and service were both great. We'd come back again.
(4)
John M.

Proof is a great place to go to impress out-of-town dates, get a really nice drink, stare at some art and pretty much just have a good time downtown. Personally, I'm more comfortable in a dark, divey kind of place, but everyone should go to Proof at least once. I've been several times and plan on going back again.
(4)
Leon I.

Been to the bar a few times and wandered the art of 21C many times. Finally had lunch, and although it was served in the Bar (no lunch in the dining room on Saturdays or something...) It was excellent. Two words: Bison Burger. They have their own bison farm or something (not on the premises... those red things are penguins.) so the meat is excellent and environmentally tasty as well (presumably). I also really like the fried hominy and a first class iced tea. Brewed. I'm a martini snob and I'll drink one here any night of the week. Do not miss this place if you are in L'ville!!
(4)
Gaby F.

Second time here and it was busy as ever; it's a proper place. We had cocktails at the busy bar and had good service and quality. Room Two large rooms both will well spaced tables. Food Bone Marrow was good but not well seasoned. Choice of salamis was good and bandaged cheddar very good. The appetizers weren't served until the shared plates (which were small) were finished so we waited 40 mins for appetizers. We should have asked... Lettuce leaves were dry and vinaigrette was thin. My Bison burger arrived cold as were the fries on plate. Not good. But when it was replaced with no explanation or complimentary anything offered. It was good; that was a poor show. After a huge pitch from our efficient, yet distant waiter, the halibut was really bland. He completely mispronounced and explained: it's "under vacuum" Sous Vide and said it was an experimental way of cooking,. Really? Maybe in KY but I've been eating it for years in NYC and Chicago... Caramel ice cream was salty and delicious. Service Apart from the cold food and I had to get up and pour wine for the table twice (not the end of the world..) it was OK. After a huge wait for appetizers, self serving wine and cold food I was disinclined to leave 20%, so left 15%. I'd try something else next time but if you go you probably won't be disappointed.
(2)
Melissa W.

The warm ricotta and octopus are divine!
(5)
Justin T.

Well beyond our high expectations. We were visiting from Michigan & were very happy with our decision to go here. Great food & very friendly staff, will definitely return next time we r in Louisville.
(5)
Kerry D.

Had lunch here during a visit to Louisville. Great service, cool atmosphere and good food. I had the lavender lemonade, which was refreshing and tasted wonderfully fresh. I ordered the wheatberrry chopped salad, which was also fresh and delicious. Haven't had anything like it elsewhere, I wish I had the recipe!
(4)
Jim G.

I returned here for dinner on March 15, 2009. We ordered the bison burger with fries and a grilled radicchio and spring mix salad that was perfectly done. It's an enjoyable room and the environment at the 21C is amazing.
(4)
Jessica M.

The food was amazing. Definitely do not miss the warm ricotta cheese! After dinner, be sure to check out the art museum that is attached.
(5)
Jason M.

I'm rounding down to 4, but it's really 4.5. The service is great, our waitress knew the menu, drink, and wine list inside and out. Water was constantly being filled, and no one in our party of 6 seemed to want for anything. The food is quite good, and the only knock I can give it is that my ribeye ordered medium rare came out a perfect medium rare, but it was cold. A bit of a bummer, but I was more into my Lazy Eye cocktail anyway so I ate it without a fuss. The bar side is great too, friendly and helpful servers. Try the pulled pork sliders.
(4)
Victoria T.

We popped in here for a drink and appetizers before heading off to a music venue. My husband is obsessed with a particular piece of art (series of photographs) adorning the wall in the bar and wanted to make sure that I got a look at it. The bar area is a little small and it's loud in there. Most of the patrons seated at the bar were cheering on the Olympic athletes so I don't imagine it will be that loud next month. The decor was warm and inviting with good lighting and interesting furnishings. The service was impeccable. Our waitress was friendly, helpful, and easy on the eyes. The bartender makes a fantastic Lemon Drop but a shitastic LIT. Hubby wasn't too thrilled. The bar selection was top notch. We ordered a plate of meats (prosciutto, salame, rabbit liver pate), cheeses (Fleur di Lis, local cheddar), and house made pickles (turnips, green beans, and a medley of squash and zucchini). The rabbit liver pate was absolutely fabulous. Everything else was good. But, that pate made me a happy, happy girl. Hubby loved the prosciutto and the cheddar. We'll try dinner next time.
(4)
David H.

Proof does Contemporary American right- and then some. This place does not miss a beat. The cocktails are innovative but classy, the food is creative and flavorful, the wine list is respectable, and the service is flawless. Be sure to take a stroll through the museum gallery on your way to the greatest restroom in the city. The postmodern decor makes this place an unforgettable date spot and I cannot recommend a visit highly enough.
(5)
Onur U.

Great all around. It's a very interesting setting with art work on the walls and see through urinals so you can watch people looking at art while you relieve yourself in the men's bathroom. The food is spectacular. They have an impressive array of charcuterie. The octopus was perfectly prepared, crunchy yet sweet. The vegetables are exquisitely fresh and prepared to bring out their natural flavor. The best part is the exceptional bourbon selection. I flight of three premium bourbons is only 18 bucks. A great price in my book.
(5)
Phil H.

Walked in at 11:47 and they wouldn't serve lunch, told me that I had to go to the bar and wait for them to switch over the kitchen for lunch. Just didn't seem right. The breakfast I had was good but really really was looking forward to trying a Bison Burger, that was the reason I went there.
(2)
J L.

Didn't live up to the hype, however it was still very good. Also, I love the drink menu. Pretty expensive for what you get in the end.
(4)
Melissa D.

I went to Proof after a show at the Kentucky Center for the Arts for some drinks with some friends. The octopus appetizer was amazing and the drinks were easy flowing. Our server and the bartenders were very accommodating to my picky drink habits and were friendly. I had a great time and plan to go back the next time I'm downtown.
(5)
Lynn L.

I am seriously restaurant crushing on Proof on Main. I've been here twice and cannot find a thing about which to complain! I love this place and could eat here every week if I could afford it! Great ambiance with attention to lighting, table placement, art and decor? CHECK. Creative menu, nice variety, and unique flavor combinations? CHECK. Delicious desserts? CHECK. Reasonable prices and cherry vanilla cotton candy at the end of your meal? CHECK Swank bar next door with mixologists who can serve the classics but also add signature flair? CHECK. Well-crafted wine list that offers many reasonably-priced choices? CHECK. Some of the most friendly and accommodating staff I've ever experienced in any city? CHECK. Located next to 21c so you can peruse some art before/after dinner? CHECK. What a great place. This is a must-eat in Louisville for any residents or visitors!
(5)
Ted R.

The bourbon cherry sorbet is worth the price of admission. 'Nuff said. Great food. Awesome bar. Creative space. Better than many of the places I frequent in Chicago. Kudos Kentucky!
(4)
Danny T.

I love places that let you reserve on OpenTable, it's the easiest thing ever. I hate talking to the host/hostess who's halfway doing something else and spelling your name all wrong when you call for a reservation. We went for my wife's birthday the other day. My wife is pregnant (woo hoo!) and not quite showing yet. I mention that because it seemed like we were somewhat frowned upon for not ordering alcohol, but other than that bit of awkwardness the service was really quite excellent. The appetizer was ridiculously good, we had the roasted octopus which I would recommend to anyone. Salad was okay, my wife had the standard local greens. I had the tuna crudo much to her dismay in not being able to try it, but that was fresher and better than any sushi I've had in town. Entrees were good, but nothing really sang out as awesome. Good local, fresh ingredients for sure, but nothing to write home about. I had the Amish chicken which was okay and a decent portion. My wife had the striped bass which had good texture and excellent crispy skin, a little low on flavor though. Dessert was the pudding cake which is off the charts excellent. Worth another star for sure. Finishing off with some cotton candy is always a plus, but we were pretty full already. Atmosphere is on the noisier side and definitely on the hip/trendy train. We were sat next to the kitchen and I've never heard the word swordfish said so many times in my life. I'll have to try that next time we go. The atmosphere was nice, but you'll have to use your romper room voice to really converse. It was fairly busy when we went though so that played into the noise level. There was a draft at our table which was nowhere near the door so it must've been coming from a vent to keep the heat from the kitchen out of the dining area? I wish it was a little more temperate. In any case, the appetizer and the dessert definitely bump this place another star from 3 to 4. I'd go again because the prices are actually fairly reasonable for a "modern" fine dining kind of place. I'd recommend it, I'd give it 3.5 if that were a choice...
(4)
B. T.

Always solid. Bison Burger is amazing every time, great bourbon menu and desserts as well. Service could have been a pinch quicker during our last visit in May otherwise this would be a 5 star experience.
(4)
Rita S.

"Quality, seasonal and regionally available foods prepared with care and skill." Not what I wasn't expecting much when I came to Louisville in terms of fine dining, especially when the first meal served to me at the convention I was attending was a Hot Brown (see end of review if you're interested in what this is.) Well, this restaurant blew my mind! This place is comparable to any end restaurants in SF, New York, etc. Our waiter was fantastic. We asked a lot of questions about the menu, and in turn, he asked us about our tastes so he could steer us toward the best choices. We went with his recommendations and were not disappointed. BTW, we shared all the dishes so we could try more. We started with the Octopus Bagna Cauda, (Octopus in Kentucky? I know!) which was the most tender and succulent octopus I've ever tasted. I'm not usually a octopus fan had the waiter not urged us to. We also shared a salad, which was fresh and yummy, though not particularly memorable. Our main course was the Pappardelle with milk braised rabbit. The rabbit was tender and beautifully seasoned, and the fresh pappardelle pasta was perfect to sop up all the lovely, rich sauce. Mmm. We also got a side of Weisenberger Grits. Again, creamy delicious heavenly. There is a nice complimentary cotton candy plate brought at the end of the meal which is a nice touch. *** A "Hot Brown" is a Louisville regional specialty. It is an open-faced sandwich of turkey, bacon and tomato, covered in Mornay sauce and broiled until the bread is crisp and the sauce begins to brown. It's overly heavy and rich for my taste, but I can see why locals love it. If you're a foodie, you have to try it just to add it to your foodie repertoire.
(5)
James B.

Classy urban bistro with high quality food and very creative dishes. A great dining experience but a little loud at times (it is a bar afterall!).
(5)
Robert J.

Very cool place and a must see in Louisville!!
(5)
Steve M.

Was visiting Louisville for business the 4th time this year and decided to head downtown and someone suggested this place as they know I'm a big fan of good food. Absolutely wonderful place. Good wine list, good wait staff, Great food and a awesome not traditional variety of food. Love the meat and cheese plates and the Gnochi with Ragu... Take this one for a spin.
(5)
Roy M.

Trendy restaurant within a trendy hotel (21C). Very fun bar scene. Excellent cocktails. Eat surrounded by some very cool artwork. Creative dishes like blueberries and gnocchi. Farm fresh produce. Portions, though, are kind of small considering the price. Also, noise level is too high to converse comfortably. Very original idea: at the end of your meal, they deliver cotton candy to your table along with your check.
(4)
Jason C.

Located in a modern museum right in downtown Louisville, the food here is on par w/ the best restaurants in any city. This is an upscale restaurant, but feel free to show up in jeans and a t-shirt (read - on the pricey side - but worth every penny). Proof has a wonderful wine list that reminds of wine country; So far the best glass of wine I've had for 2011. I recommend looking over the menu online. Many of the descriptions don't do it justice. The first time I visited Proof (about 3 years ago) I had the special - Braised Pork Shank - that just blew me away. My waiter at the time suggested I try the Bison Burger, but I was in the mood for pork. This time around, my waitress suggested the special - Steamed Mussels, and octopus starter, but I ordered the Bison burger as rare as they could serve it and it was awesome. Next time I'll try the mussels and octopus. I usually don't get around to trying desserts, and this time was no exception. If you're like me and never have room for dessert, save just a little room for the after dinner mint - in house spun cotton candy. Eets wafer thin! If you have to wait for a table or after your meal, walk around the art gallery located behind Proof. Who knew KY knew anything about art?
(4)
Marianne D. W.

I was in Louisville on business and went to Proof for dinner on a Saturday night. The restaurant is on the corner ground-floor space of the 21C Museum Hotel and the five in our party were seated at our precise reservation time (6:30 PM). Many people were dressed-up but just as many were in cargo pants, short-sleeved shirts, even casual shorts (on the women). The first thing we noticed was the art on the walls and scattered surfaces. Unusual, colorful, fun, and both flat and three-dimentional. From the owners' collection and changed occasionally. Pick up the brochure at the front desk that explains the artwork and artists. The starter fennel soup had a light, airy lemon flavor and texture that was wonderful and almost like a dessert. The Kentucky Tomme Salad came with a topping of two "short-rib chips" that tasted like beef bacon - delicious! The salmon came with tasty crispy skin and the dinner special of roast bison was served over fingerling potatoes and leeks. All portions were a nice size and tasted very good. Bread at the table was two chunks of a baguette, soft inside and nicely crusty outside, served with soft whipped butter. (We had seconds.) Iced tea and water glasses were kept full and empty/dirty plates were quickly removed. A special star for the attentive staff. Three smallish wedges of excellent cheese - choose from a hard cheddar, 3 soft cheeses and a bleu - make up the dessert cheese plate along with some smoked grapes (really...smoked. Most unusual), honey, stewed fruit and grilled baugette slices. And you've got to try the cotton candy (!) that's made fresh daily for the dinner crowd. With two bottles of wine and after-dinner drinks, our dinner total was just under $70/person but you could easily spend much less.
(5)
Ly Y.

This place has a cool vibe. The food is sourced from local producers only. If it isn't from the area it isn't on their menu. The seasonal menu is updated fairly often. I enjoyed the Tuscan Magret Duck Buckwheat pancakes, sorghum & pickles.
(4)
Pamela D.

When I was a very small child, an old woman gave me what would become my favorite childhood toy. A green knitted bunny, whom I aptly named Bunny-Bunny. Well, for the past 20 years or so, I have had an unshakable fondness for bunnies. Love them and their twitchy noses and bizarre hops. So imagine my distress when I see that there are dishes featuring Bunny-Bunny's family members here! WHY GOD WHY? I shook my fist, cried, vomited a little, then I ordered a Bloody Mary. For those who don't know (and don't act like you don't) I'm a freaking boozehound, and a Bloody Mary is like the breakfast of champions. At 1pm. Our waiter was friendly and he talked us into trying jalepeneo-infused vodka, which wound up being an excellent choice. The food was decent, too. Not as good as the drinks. I ordered the Chicken Milanese and it tasted wonderful, though it was almost TOO fried. Yikes. My dining companion ordered the sandwich of the day, which was a BLT. It scared me majorly, because the bacon was giant and fatty and salty. And this is coming from a bacon lover, so for me to be scared of bacon, you know it's some serious shit. Later that night, I found myself here again for cocktails. The bartenders were pretty and nice. Save for the creepy leering man who had blatant disregard for the fact that I am NOT SINGLE, it was a great place to hang out. In the daytime, this place is very light and airy. At night it's transformed into an artsy hangout. Either way, heck yes. Just please don't eat my Bunny-Bunny :(
(4)
Carissa G.

A very fun, very cool place to eat in Louisville with great food. A must see/must eat if you are in the area.
(4)
Emily N.

My husband took me here for my Birthday. I love the atmosphere and the location, the attached art gallery and the modern vibe. I ordered the goat sausage tagliatelle, which was very well prepared; although, it was my first time trying goat sausage and I found it pretty gamey. My husband ordered the Bison Burger and said it was best one he had ever tasted. We both loved the Ricotta Appetizer, which paired very nicely with our Reisling. We ended by touring the attached art gallery. It was such a great experience.
(4)
Ter W.

So good! Especially the the octopus appetizer and the scallops. Service was great as well. Was fun to walk around the hotel and look at art after dinner. Wish I lived closer so I could visit again and again!
(5)
Greta K.

***Cocktail Review*** This place was pretty cool-- the bar that is; I wasn't really a huge fan of some of the contemporary art in the museum (I was a bit appalled by nude Jackie O exhibit). We were able to get a table near the bar right away on a Saturday night. I felt very glamorous and hip in this bar, with the funky lighting and the downtown crowd. Proof was a much better scene for me than Molly Malone's in St. Matthews. I ordered a delicious drink with champagne, lemon juice, and brandy, but I've forgotten the name and couldn't find it on the website. They even have half drinks, if you've had one too many. The appetizer menu looked delicious, but since we were going to dinner afterward, we decided against ordering any food. If you want to live in another city for a night and can't get out of Louisville for one reason or another, go to Proof and even to the museum if you'd like. You'll feel like you're a thousand miles away from Kentucky.
(4)
Laura L.

This boutique-y restaurant in downtown Louisville is impressive. Love the bar, the music, the artwork - and our server was so cute I wanted to just put him in my pocket. After you've stuffed yourself silly, walk to the gallery in the back and check out the interesting/bizarre installations. Don't forget to go to the basement and see the steam art. The Good: They got us in on last minute reservation on a Friday night Wonderful dÃ©cor - artwork changes regularly Interesting mixed drinks list Fresh, tasty apps (we basically had one of everything) Best dessert I've ever had - molten meyer lemon cake with blueberries. Seriously, I've died and gone to heaven. This alone is a reason to return to Louisville. The Bad: I think I just chose a weird dish and it seemed overpriced. It had a fancy name, but basically boiled down to Halibut (delicious) with vegetables (delicious) and clams with bacon sauce? (Weird.) I know, what was I thinking, right? That was a strange mix of flavors. But I would definitely return.
(4)
David S.

Stylish contemporary American cuisine in the 21 museum hotel complex. For starters, strolling through a museum with compelling art is a much better way than standing in a bar or waiting on a bench while you wait for your table to be ready. Actually makes you want to arrive early for dinner. Menu is innovative with excellent fresh ingredients, well prepared and well presented.
(5)
Bill Z.

We went for a night out while in L'ville. Great service, great food, and a bourbon flight starting with "new make." Everything was very good, the portions were quite large for us, but too much of a good thing is certainly a first world problem...
(4)
Howard C.

Service was excellent, atmosphere was hip, professional and full of conversation pieces. Ended up full, satiated and left with about 30 pics between a party of 4!
(5)
michael c.

I have nothing but good to say about this restaurant/bar.. The service was good and the food was delicious. I came here several times over the course of a few days and was impressed by the knowledge of the bar staff WRT not only Whisky of which they have an impressive selection, but also their ability to turn out excellent classic cocktails. It should be pointed out the bar has an excellent bourbon and rye whisky selection and that the staff will gladly set you up with a flight of whiskies to meet your mood and desires. The food here is also very well turned out.. the menu has a mix of classic bistro fare, Italian and American dishes turned out with skill and using locally sourced (as available) ingredients. The Bar/Resturant is attached to the 21c Museum Hotel and it is possible to take your drinks into the Museum part to look at at the art there.. I amused myself for at least half an hour looking at the collections here, and if you enjoy contemporary art, you also may enjoy perusing the collections here.. My only regret with Proof is that I couldn't have another meal here during my stay in Louisville.
(4)
katie s.

I went to Louisville for the first time to attend the ABC Expo. The past five years the expo was in las Vegas so the change to Louisville was questionable. PROOF restaurant/Hotel 21C made the whole experience in Louisville memorable. Not only was the menu impressive along with restaurant decor but the museum was INCREDIBLE. Best dining experience I have ever had in the US!!!. Charming foodie waiter Jon lead us into a culinary delight. We had the bison marrow for appetizer. The duck with cream corn, pickled blueberries and bittersweet chocolate, a Swiss chard with pancetta, reception served with cotton candy. Bravo to Laura lee brown, bourbon heir, and husband Steve Wilson for bringing contemporary art to the masses. Go to be surprised by the two way mirrors in the restroom. Hilarious.Went to the restaurant/museum three times during my week stay.
(5)
Beth H.

OMG! Everyone is so nice here for an upscale restaurant! As soon as you enter, you cannot help yourself but to admire the cool pieces of art everywhere-from a shoe covered moose to an irridescent walrus. The food was amazing! Grilled octopus melted in my mouth (Yes, I said melted!) and the bacon wrapped pork shank was absolute heaven on the tongue. Surprisingly, the wine list was comprised of quite reasonably priced bottles of wine. That was a big plus for me as I don't like spending nearly a hundred bucks on a bottle of wine. The service was impeccable, and I appreciated the walk through the gallery after dinner. I will definitely come back here the next time I come through Louisville!
(5)
Peter S.

What a find. I have to credit Yelp for letting me find this gem in Louisville, as I had all but given up on good food in the area. The restaurant is set in the museum hotel 21C, so while you are waiting for your food you can walk around and view the New Age art that is prominently displayed around the hotel lobby. The locally sourced bison burger is excellent, and as bison is somewhat dry when cooked, they did a wonderful job in preparing the meat. I actually couldn't tell it was bison. Furthermore, the burger had an excellent choice of brioche bread that comprised the bun, and they fried okra, while a little salty, was excellent. Try the fresh arugula salad for lunch, as it comes from a local farm in Kentucky.
(4)
Bill E.

I'm confused. This resturant is very popular. The decor is bright and modern (very artistic). The atmosphere is loud (even party-like). But lets be realistic. Resturants are successful in the long run based on menu, quality, value, and service. The menu here while well thought-out is very brief. The quality of the product was high but the value received (portion received vs price) was terrible. The service in the bar was attentive but the service in the resturant was abysmal. How can a place that is so inconsistent be so popular. Overall I had a very disappointing experience.
(2)
Maggie H.

Very inconsistent. Go for a cocktail and appetizer, but go elsewhere for dinner. There's too many amazing places to eat in Louisville to waste a meal there.
(2)
M Y.

Cocktails are delicious, I appreciate their originality on their entire cocktail menu. Enjoyed many of the vegetarian selections, the bison burger, and even the skirt steak. I visit the gallery often and try to bring visitors every chance I get. Thanks, 21c! I've visited with small groups and large groups and Proof appears to cater to both categories well. Additionally, the online reservation feature worked well.
(5)
Sarah P.

I ordered the salmon. It wasn't great, didn't taste very fresh, and the presentation was odd, with the skin side up, which didn't look very good. I tried the gnocchi, and it tasted a little off. The sides are amazing, however. The grits were delicious but very heavy. The greens were perfect. The salted caramel gelato was very good, but eating too much made me sick quickly. The plum pudding has a bit too much plum. The service was great, contrary to some of the other reviews. I went there again for breakfast, and the food was a lot better. I ordered eggs over hard with toast, the bacon, and the peasant potatoes. Everything was amazing. The toast was fantastic, the eggs cooked just right, and the bacon was simply perfect. If you get breakfast, you must try the bacon. The potatoes were interesting, a little tangy but delicious. The only thing i didn't like was my friend's buttermilk pancakes. They were too heavy and not sweet enough. If you go to proof, go for breakfast.
(4)
Mona P.

My husband and I had a wonderful time at proof on main for thanksgiving dinner. The atmosphere, food and service was incredible. I was surprised at how tasty thier vegetarian options were. I had their butternut squash soup with chestnut ravioli. I did feel overdressed showing up in a full formal gown for dinner...I might have chosen a short cocktail dress or a suit instead. It would be great for a special evening out or a romantic date. Would definately go there again!
(4)
Tara S.

Proof has a great wine list (try the Handley pinot noir, from a cool little winery in Anderson Valley and very hard to find around here), fabulous starters (the warm ricotta appetizer was heaven and the bison carpaccio was excellent), wonderful entrees (country ham-wrapped pork chop- need I say more?) and fantastic sides of Parmesan grits and brussels sprouts. The staff was great, very friendly and helpful, and it's a fun atmosphere. All in all, an excellent dining experience.
(5)
John B.

I confess a personal bias in writing a review of Proof on Main. I dislike restaurants with affectations of catering to the sleek, arty set. One of the nice things about living in a large country is genuine regional and cultural difference. Restaurants like Proof on Main do nothing but homogenize the experience of "fine dining." Now that it's an apparently irretrievable fact that this sort of dippy and derivative "art restaurant" is the new model, I suppose I'd better just speak to Proof's merits on the kitchen end. To that end, the ingredients are mostly good and fresh. But the food is too heavy and same. Even when the accompaniments and garnishes are appropriate, something lacks in the execution. The food is certainly edible. It's even enjoyable, at passes. But the restaurant cannot justify charging the prices it does. A reduction by 35% in the price of all menu items, and a commitment to recalibrate the food, would probably result in another star. Drinks are commendable.
(3)
Jackie C.

Nothing short of amazing. The whole menu is great - particularly the bison burger and anything involving the garlic aoli. One of the favorite things I've ordered there is the pan roasted ruby trout salad for lunch. I love that their lunch portions in particularly are perfectly satisfying, not too large or too small. The restaurant is impeccably designed, from the menus to the revolving art on the walls. The 21C concept is genius in and of itself, and adding this very unique, original restaurant and bar to the mix was great. I'm still trying to drag some friends down there for after work drinks. It was recently voted by a wine and spirits industry magazine as the best place in the country to have a cocktail, no joke. It is some of the best Louisville has to offer and is definitely a corner stone of the West Main restaurant revival.
(5)
Brian M.

After checking out the art museum at 21c - we wandered into Proof for a couple drinks. Whiskey flights were probably the way to go here... but I was in the mood for something a bit sweeter. I ended up trying two drinks: The Kentucky Cousin is Evan Williams in sweet tea and lemon. I kind of wish it had been sweeter tea and more lemon - but the idea of mixing bourbon and iced tea had never occurred to me... and it's a wonderful combination. The Woodland Cider is a ginger treat - kind of sweet but not overly so. The star anise really came through with the drink. Overall I wasn't overly impressed. It's similar to 4th street in that it draws a crowd of woo-girls with fake valley accents in a town better suited for quiet bars with leather arms chairs in my opinion. But - it's a fast stop for a drink if you go to 21c... which is totally worth the effort.
(3)
Harsh K.

Review for Bar only So we stopped in on a recommendation from a colleague and it was well worth the walk. Upon entry you notice the eclectic decor with art pieces all around and some kickass incandescent pendant light fixtures over the bar. The booze selection is fantastic and very reasonably priced, but here's the kicker ... wait for it... ... you can take your drinks into the attached museum. That's right, at the back of the bar is a modern art museum with work ranging from great to uninspired, but it makes for an awesome space to walk around and enjoy a cocktail in a cool setting. Also, this isn't just a small room of pictures, it's a fairly large gallery ( intertwined with the hotel 21c) with video installations, photography, sculpture, paintings, and the artform of the future... holograms If i were staying in louisville ( apparently pronounced "loo-ah-vill") it would be an awesome place to organize an event Also bonus points for a mixed bag 10pm bar crowd including after work types, the overdressed aging elite, a dodgy looking middle aged lesbian couple ( super short white dress paired with stinky caucasian dreds, think grown berkeley street kid with too much money and nothing to protest), a few hip 30-somethings, and my personal favorite of pudgy after work type trying to get in good with dodgy lesbian couple
(5)
Tom O.

Terrific experience at Proof. Chef Wallace has a great selection on his menu that' was executed brilliantly and he came out to our table on a packed night to deliver our meal and check on things and was great to interact with and discuss the food & wine. I'll definitely be going back and recommending it friends and colleagues.
(5)
Diane D.

I am struggling to think of anything bad I have to say about Proof... I would love to include just one point they could improve on... But I can't think of any! I have been working in Louisville every week for a few months and have now been to Proof twice for special work dinners, and every time has been a blast! Allow me to summarize the cool things about this place: 1) Seasonal menu with fresh farm ingredients used! Can't argue with that. During the summer, the corn appetizer was so amazing, we were almost disappointed to see the new fall menu this week. But the fall menu didn't disappoint! 2) Great service. Seriously. We've had the same waiter and hostess so far, and the service has been impeccable each time. 3) DRINKS! Get a gin and tonic at this place. I don't even LIKE gin and tonics, but their homemade tonic is simply awesome. Other good mixed drinks too. 4) Prices... I know its not cheap, but what you get, I certainly wouldn't say its unfair. And lastly, cool art!!! It's so fun eating in an environment where you eat surrounded by cool art. And walk to the restroom surrounded by more cool art. Not quite sure the story behind being able to slightly see into the restroom sink area if you really squint, but we'll let that piece go... Overall, excellent experience!
(5)
Andrew S.

I've been dining at Proof on Main almost since its doors opened. Every time I'm in Louisville and staying at the 21C Museum Hotel, I find myself here for a meal, a drink at the bar, room service, or a combination of the three. Chef Michael Paley has crafted some terrific new American cuisine utilizing with great fanfare the local foodstuffs of the mid-South Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio basin. Taking a page from the book of Tuscan restaurant lore, Paley (who used to be at Lucca in Boca Raton), features primi courses of house-cured meats, "from the hearth" bites, and "relish" veggies from across the spectrum. Once you get to the appetizers, though, the Kentucky locale shines through. One favorite has remained on the menu the entire year: Chick Pea and Country Ham Fritters served with a grain mustard aioli. The wine list splits nicely between craft California winemakers and Italian counterparts, and the bourbon list tops 40 distillers). My main courses have run the gamut, from a recent special --- homemade gnocchi topped with a venison ragout --- to the simple, but incredibly delicious Proof Burger (with the most perfectly charred outside i've ever tasted on a medium rare burger... how did they do it?). My only complaint is that Paley is clearly creative and exciting in the kitchen... but his menu changes so minutely each season that I don't feel like I find the variety I would expect from a world-class restaurant and the nightly specials are limited. That and the breakfast menu is extremely limited (though the Proof granola with vanilla honey yogurt is damn good). The staff at Proof is among the nicest, most genuinely happy-to-be-there groups i've ever encountered. They are both knowledgeable and friendly, with not too much of either outweighing one or the other. The head bartender at Proof's bar, Chris, is both a creative mixologist, and a bourbon historian who will serve five people while still telling you an involved story about the history of a small batch producer. All in all, a visitor to Louisville will not be disappointed dining at Proof as this city continues its cosmopolitan growth. I will continue to explore the burgeoning gourmet ghetto in Kentucky, but will always come back to Proof on Main.
(4)
Jackie S.

I will never eat here again, nor do I recommend it to my yelper friends. In all fairness, the food was pretty tasty and the setting was chic, but everything else about the restaurant was completely overrated. Of note, I regret not ordering the burger. I ordered the braised goat rissoto and had total food envy when I saw the burger on a friend's plate. My biggest complaint was the amount of time we wasted. We waited unreasonable lengths of time for our orders to be taken, for our food to be served, for the check, and for our credit cards back. By the time we left, I think the restaurant was closing. All-in-all, it was ridiculous. On top of that, I don't think anyone in our group found that the food justified the expense and the wait. I'm gonna go ahead and invent Jackie's Value-Rating system just so that I can explain how bad this restaurant was: Everything is out of ten with ten as the best. Time to be seated: 10 Time for orders to be taken: 1 Time for food to arrive: 1 Time for check processing: 1 Cleanliness: 10 Overall quality of the food: 5 Overall quantity of the food: 2 Presentation: 7 Accuracy: 7 Atmosphere: 9 Plus 5 points for being attached to a hotel and art museum but minus 5 points for the 1/2 mile walk to the bathroom. Also subtract 2 points because the waiter promised to call a cab for us, and I'm highly skeptical that he did anything. That earns Proof a score of 51/100, which is failure in my book.
(2)
Caroline C.

Dear Holy Lard, the Chick Pea and Country Ham Fritters were possibly one of my favorite dishes ever. It must have been de-swine intervention that I even came to order these. Not something I would typically select from a menu. The idea of a fritter to me seems heavy and greasy. These were pillowy-soft, ethereal and just downright heaven. Served with ridiculously delicious radicchio and the most delicate grain mustard crema. Somebody sold their soul to come up with this dish. I kept finding myself making declarations throughout the meal, "this is what I'm all about!" "I can get on board with this dish!" "why do I not find this anywhere else?" I really hesitate to use the term "trendy" because I feel like it doesn't do it justice. I don't want this to be a trend, I want this to be what other places aspire to achieve. Proof on Main is exactly what I want in a restaurant and nothing that I don't. It's got the whole shebang. Lovely, hospitable service, inventive dishes, local ingredients and original artwork exhibitions. If the food isn't enough of a reason to come back, upcoming installations most definitely will be.
(5)

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Address : 21C Museum Hotel,702 W Main St
Louisville, KY, 40202
Phone (502) 217-6360
Website https://www.proofonmain.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :7:00 am - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Coat Check : Yes
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Proof on Main

21C Museum Hotel,702 W Main St, Louisville, KY, 40202

Proof on Main Menu

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Entrees

Sides For The Table

Artisan Cheese

Dessert

Healthy Meal suggestions for Proof on Main

First For The Table

Appetizers

Entrees

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Artisan Cheese

Dessert

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Alex S.

David L.

Maheen F.

Liz F.

Chad C.

Bryan X.

Lora L.

Anne L.

Jules Wolfers D.

Amber H.

Debbie C.

Tricia D.

Monica F.

Gary S.

Missy M.

Enia T.

Elizabeth S.

dave w.

Lala R.

Matthew D.

Kevin B.

Stephen T.

Diana C.

Julie W.

Claire B.

Bradley N.

Melissa W.

Liz F.

Erich S.

Matt G.

Richard L.

Shing H.

Joanna S.

Bryce C.

Brittany F.

Mark W.

Eric B.

Gregg S.

David L.

Benjamin R.

Kathy V.

Jerry Ray D.

Mike L.

Jason B.

Kyle S.

Elizabeth M.

Christopher W.

Dan G.