I feel like I could eat a McDonald's hamburger in St. Charles Exchange, and it would still feel chic, high end. Not to say that their food is like fast food -- very, very much the opposite of that. But the ambiance and attention to detail at this posh spot brings the dining experience to a whole new level. So earlier today, I finally got to eat a meal at St. Charles Exchange. I had only been there in the past for appetizers and drinks, which were always fabulous. I took advantage of the $15 502 Lunch Week deal and chose the grogranica greens salad and croque madame with frites from the options offered. The salad was fruity and sweet, and the croque madame was a grand dame of a sandwich indeed, with ham, rich sauce and an egg on top. This sandwich looks hefty, and while I'm sure it did not help my waistline, I didn't leave feeling overly stuffed, which was nice. And since it's Bourbon Heritage Month, I had to try one of St. Charles Exchange's great bourbon cocktails. Feeling fun, I got the PB&B, which is made with peanut butter-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon, Sprecher Puma Cola and a smoked strawberry. You could really taste the peanut butter in it, but it worked well with the bourbon. This drink was like a childhood memory, taken to an adult level. Lounging back in the tall booths or gazing at the bar, St. Charles Exchange makes me feel like I've taken a trip back to the 20s perhaps. It's a fun place to bring locals and guests. But at the same time, the look isn't gimmicky. It's just sleek. Can't wait to go back -- perhaps for dinner!
(4)
Sarah H.
I was with a group of 15 on a Saturday night. We had a reservation at 7:30 and were seated with no wait. The service was prompt - we told our server we had tickets to a show and needed to finish within 2 hours of being seated. Our servers were very attentive and all our meals came out correct and delicious. I would definitely recommend this place and hope to return again soon. I'd love to take my significant other here because it seems like the perfect place for a romantic date. The only negative was, some members of our group used 10% off coupons that were provided by our hotel concierge. The waitress did seem a bit annoyed...those who didn't use the coupon received their checks back intermediately, but the coupons took a while and we were told a manager had enter each one manually. So, if you have a coupon I would suggest you let the server know when ordering to avoid any issues.
(5)
Christopher S.
I can't wait to dine at St. Charles Exchange again! I spent a small fortune on my meal, but it was entirely worth it. A friend of mine and I went during 502 Restaurant Week and ordered from the 4-course restaurant week menu, which just meant I would spend more than I normally would. I normally would not order 4 courses for a meal. From what I can tell the restaurant week did not offer any noticeable discount or special menu items. Regardless, the restaurant week menu allowed me to try more dishes that I normally would not have tried. For the appetizer, I ordered the deviled eggs, and my friend ordered the mussels. The mussels were excellent and most of the deviled eggs were as well. I do not think the deviled egg flavors are consistent day-to-day, but my favorite was definitely the Sriracha one. There was also a country ham egg, which was tasty. The least interesting seemed like just a normal deviled egg to me and lacked flavor (especially compared to the other options). I ordered the Cornbread Panzanella as my salad, and it was awesome. Brussels sprouts (I love anything with Brussels sprouts), blue cheese, arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette...very tasty! My friend had the beet salad. He did not seem to be a fan (he said beets taste like dirt), but I liked the bite of it that I had. I ordered the Verlasso Salmon as my entree, and like everything above, it was also great. The salmon also had Brussels sprouts - woohoo! I would get the salmon again in a heartbeat. My friend ordered the duck, and he seemed to be in love with it. He also said he'd get the duck again. I tried the duck, it was good, but I am not a huge duck fan. For dessert I ordered the cinnamon roll bread pudding, and my friend ordered the espresso creme brulee. Both were very good, but I was quite glad to have the bread pudding as I enjoyed it much better than the creme brulee. In addition to the good food, the atmosphere is incredible. It has a very Old World feel to it, which I enjoy. There was also a 2 piece jazz band that night. Listening to jazz and having three fantastic Old Fashioneds (the best in Louisville by far) makes for a great evening. When it was all said and done,..I spent $105 after tip and tax for just me. YIKES! Again, well worth every penny. I will definitely be back (but may have to skip the 4 course meal).
(5)
Kathy V.
Good location. AH-mazing outdoor patio! I can't believe that we were the only ones out there last night....it was beautiful! I hope our waiter didn't hate us too much.... I didn't order any food, we really just wanted some cocktails and enjoy them outside. I got something with "devil" in the name and the Caribbean Comber. Both were delicious, the comber being my favorite. Drinks are pricey but they are also nice and strong. I certainly recommend it for drinks. Food options look pretty good too!
(4)
Laura P.
The deviled eggs are amazing - six different preparations of deviled eggs. This alone should garner a 5 star review. The bartender, Cora, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and we had a great time tasting bourbon and enjoying the 4th of July.
wonderful gem downtown. i love the outdoor seating. The food is refreshing the atmosphere is fun and inviting. The people all seem very happy and upbeat and willing to help you and serve you.
(4)
Chris W.
It was my 1st visit to this location and I was a little skeptical after reading some of the reviews. I didnt know what to expect. I must say I was very happily impressed with my experience this visit and would recommend to others as well as go again sometime. It is very expensive when it is all said and done, but a place you go once in a while to celebrate something etc. It happened to be the Saturday after Valentines Day, they still had their Valentines Menu in place for this evening and many people were there to celebrate Valentines Day. The place was packed, but the service was good considering this. We sat at the bar 1st to have a drink, we had the Old Fashion (was great) and Chocolate Martini (Great also). Then sat at our table and on came the food. The Devil Eggs are incredible and a neat start. I had the Qual and it was incredibly delish, wife had the petite filet/oscar style with a crab topping she too loved it. For Dessert the Bourbon Cake and that was very delish as well. Atmosphere was incredible, it is the oldest building in Louisville and the entire building is Brown Forman's corporate offices with the restaurant using a small part of the bottom floor of the building.
(5)
Becky M.
The Old Fashioned available for happy hour hit the spot. We visited on a business trip based on the advice of locals. Glad we stopped in for the comfy leather couches and long, long bar. We only stayed for an early drink, but the saloon / Prohibition-style atmosphere was just right. Felt like I experienced a touch a true old Louisville.
(4)
Preston C.
I went to St. Charles Exchange with my family a few weeks ago and loved it. Unfortunately, the grill in the kitchen was having problems and out of commission, so we were only able to get cocktails and some appetizers. The cocktails had innovative twists on many classics and the small plates were delicious. Out of all the restaurants I've been to in Louisville, this one has my favorite atmosphere. The bar is beautiful and every detail highlights the beauty of this old 19th century, downtown Louisville building. A great new addition to the downtown restaurant scene. I can't wait to go back and try the full menu. Great place to bring out of towners and show them what Louisville is all about! Great hospitality, atmosphere, bourbons, small plates and an all around lovely experience.
(5)
Ben R.
I read the reviews of this place and figured it was a must visit in Louisville. The ambiance was definitely top-notch, better than many places I have visited in my travels. The decor was awesome including the massive entrance that house these magnificent blinds. The selection of bourbons and whiskeys was on par with any bar that wants to house the banner for being a bar in Bourbon Country. Additionally, I visited the establishment during happy hour and a quality Old Fashioned cost $5. That's solid right there. My group enjoyed several small plate appetizers including the mussels and the deviled egg plate. These were solid dishes that I recommend but must say that the deviled egg dish was awesome creatively. In my opinion, quality ice is often the forgotten ingredient in a cocktail. However, this place has superb square block ice in every drink. The only negative, our bartender was really lame. Only said a handful of words to us over the 2 hours we were there. Rather disappointing but I had good company with me.
(4)
T W.
great food slow service. i loved the food but always had to allow extra time for the slow service. if they were actually busy i dont think they could hadle the rush. people would have come more if you could have gave them decent service. its like they hired pretty people that were not use to having to move. my blind grandma moved faster. maybe next time they open a place they will hire servers with some gusto . not lead in thier shoes. thats why your closed now
(3)
Megan A.
I have been here twice in about a three week period; once for dinner and once for drinks with some friends and I have to give this place the 5 star review it deserves. I came here for dinner with a date and we both split the deviled egg appetizer (we both haven't stopped thinking of that dish since!) and then I had the cheese plate and he tried one of their vegetarian dishes. Both of us were quite pleased with our chocies. We also tried their signature Old Fashioned, which was bourbon heaven. I typically only drink bourbon on the rocks, but this drink was to perfection! We also stopped in there last night with another couple for drinks as the Bats game was rained out. It was very quiet, but my friend and I split a bottle of wine, while the men both enjoyed bourbon and some cocktails off the list. We really had a wonderful time. Both times the waiter and the bartender have been knowledgeable and accomodating. I very much recommend this place for either dinner or drinks; you can't go wrong here.
(5)
Aprill K.
Another great restaurant in Louisville! The food is excellent and the drinks are very tasty. I love the vintage theme with the drinks and decor. This is a great date night restaurant! PS - the deviled eggs are very tasty!
(5)
Samantha D.
LOVED IT! Went for drinks after work and it was great. We sat at the bar and the prices were great for happy hour. It can be quite expensive but the general feel of the restaurant, the decoration and service makes it worth it. Will definitely go back!
(5)
Rhonda G.
If I had known what I know now, I would have visited St. Charles Exchange a long time ago! They have managed to balance upscale, refined dining with stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. Let's start with the Manhattan. I order one everywhere I go but now I will compare all Manhattans with the St. Charles version. Our party of four then had deviled eggs appetizers and while it was unique, I can't say we would order it again. From there, I had the pork chop with greens and grits. Perfect and a very generous portion. You will not leave hungry. My companions had the shrimp & grits, the steak with mushrooms and risotto, and the duck breast. No one was disappointed. In fact, we were so satisfied that we had to pass on dessert. The wood floors, huge bar, and exposed brick are so beautiful. Our waiter, Chase, could not have been more professional and attentive. Dean also stopped by several times and even answered our questions about the history of the building. I look forward to returning when the outdoor courtyard is open because it looked so beautiful with the brick and ivy.
(5)
Greg S.
The ambience of St. Charles Exchange is very nice and that's what attracted me to it. You know you're in a high end and posh place as soon as you step in the door, but there's nothing snobbish about it either. I have only been here for drinks and I very much enjoyed it. I went after work and took advantage of happy hour by getting their $5 old fashioned. Typically, when I get an old fashioned somewhere it's too sweet, but I decided to give SCE a shot. They nailed it. Not too much sugar and they didn't throw gobs of cherries in it. It had sweetness with a nice strong bite and flavor of bourbon. After happy hour the drinks are pricey but not unreasonable. Two happy hour old fashioneds, a regular priced old fashioned and a glass of wine after a 25% tip I think was around $38. I prefer SCE to Proof on Main (right across the street) as a bar itself, but one advantage Proof has is being able to grab a drink and go enjoy the 21c museum. The service was good and I loved the atmosphere. It's a solid place to meet someone for drinks on a first date or to talk business with clients. I'll be back and when I do return I'm looking forward to grabbing a bite to eat.
(4)
Valerie D.
My Hubby and I ate here for date night last night and had a great experience!! We had never been before but the restaurant came highly recommended by a friend. It did not disappoint. The old school ambiance was both sophisticated and welcoming and the staff were great! We ordered the Country Ham Fritters as an app and they were quite good. He had the burger while I had the scallops. Both were excellent and we cleaned our plates. I definitely plan on going back, maybe bringing along some friends!
(4)
Don F.
Amazing food. 5 in our group for lunch. We shared "Elvis on Horseback" an interesting name for an equally interesting appetizer, bacon-wrapped peanut butter stuffed dates served with bourbon-bannana vinaigrette- YUM! 3 of us were intrigued by the grilled cheese with sliced pear and brussel sprouts and all 3 of us were amazed at how interesting and tasty this combination was, very very good, especially when accompanied by a cup pf the tomato/beet soup. 1 colleague had the burger with Kenny's white cheddar. Delish. Amazing food. Sadly, also amazingly poor service. We were one of the first tables sat for an early lunch..for some reason, in the bar? Our server took more than 20 min to take and serve water/coffee. Normally I'd give the benefit of circumstance and a pass, however sadly after waiting another 20 minutes to order, and then nearly 30 more to have our meals delivered; as such we spent nearly 2 hours over a what was a fine meal, but def took too long. The food is def interesting and the prices reasonable enough to return, just need to plan time accordingly.
(3)
Grant O.
We went to St. Charles Exchange for a 'date night' prior to a show (Once-- which was fantastic). Ambience: Very cool restaurant. It is stylish and very trendy. Noise: We were seated in the back, initially with only one other couple-- it started very quiet and romantic. A larger group was seated partially through our meal-- it was then 'energetic.' Service: Truly excellent. Our waitress was very attentive and checking in frequently. She made a few excellent suggestions, and she even divided our entree into nice portions for each of us. Food Presentation: The plating was done well. Simple but elegant white plates with a pleasant arrangement of the food. Food Taste: Elvis on Horseback- Very tasty and savory. 4/5 stars." Deviled Eggs- Our 5 flavors were so-so. Garlic + Sage, Salmon, Bleu Cheese + Chard, Bacon + ?, and Truffle were the ones I can remember. Interesting, but really only made us desire good old-fashioned deviled eggs. 3/5 Cheese Plate- Very nice assortment with dried fruit and nuts. The bread served with it was amazing! I, the carnivore, missed meats to accompany the cheese, but overall it was very good. 4/5 Farmhouse Burger- Cooked well at medium and with very good seasoned fries. 4/5 Drinks: I had the SoMa and the Old-Fashioned. Both were very tasty and served elegantly. Price: Moderately expensive. Well with the price for a nice evening, but would not be a frequent place of ours to eat based on the price versus quality.
(4)
Kyle M.
The bartenders here are expert mixologists. For real. The apps were ehhhh OK but everything after that was phenomenal. The cheese grits are some of the best I've had to this day. I went with the pork chop entree and it was great; on top of some stuffing and cole slaw type of item. I sort of wish I went with the NY strip steak as everyone around me at the table was raving about it. Maybe next time. As for the drinks we cleared out the rest of their Sonoma Cutrer and I personally stuck with the Old Fashions w/ Woodford Reserve double oaked. Classy place with amazing service!
(5)
Aimee T.
I booked a reservation on March 5th for May 1st, so that my friends and I didn't miss out on a great meal while visiting Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. Plenty of time to be told about a prix fixe $125 menu as being the only option. I was only made aware of this on April 15- totally unacceptable! The menu sounded lackluster and the hostess could not have been less friendly in telling me about the situation. And when I asked to receive the menu via email, she took my information, yet never sent it and I had to call back. I've since cancelled and have no interest in giving them any money. In waiting so long to tell guests about their pricey sole option, I've missed out on the opportunity to rebook elsewhere and am now eating dinner at 5:45 at one of the only options left. So much for southern hospitality.
(1)
Robin M.
One of my favorite places to frequent in Louisville. The bar is amazing just like the old fashioned.
(5)
Susan S.
The atmosphere is great. Beautiful venue. Service was great. Food was pathetic. Had the turkey club which was basically bread and very little turkey with no flavor whatsoever.
(1)
Marshall H.
Very inattentive bar service, very slow food, and lukewarm food when it arrived. Bread on the sliders was stale and tasted days old. Ok cocktail, but that doesn't make up for the other shortcomings.
Great atmosphere! Sophisticated and simple. I love the cocktails and the cheese board. You can't go wrong with any of the cocktails. If you want to look like you're really in the know, order the Swizzle. It's no longer on the menu, but the bartenders will still make it. It's like a layered snow cone. Delicious and beautiful. There aren't a lot of options for vegetarians, but the salads and sides make for a fine meal. The desserts are all made in house, so save room for them. If you're a fan of ice cream, you'll be a fan of this place. I tried the sweet potato ice cream on my most recent visit and it was fantastic.
(4)
Brandon R.
This was a fantastic bar with a truly exceptional bourbon selection. The bar manager was extremely knowledgable and pointed our group in the right direction when it came to local and hard to find bourbons. Must visit spot when in Louisville in a historic location.
(5)
Ben W.
The best Manhattan in town. We met up with some friends for the famous Manhattan at St. Charles Exchange. The environment was real swanky, and I don't think I've seen as many bottles on the bar than here. Beer buckets were served in punch bowls. Servers were as nice as ever. Our Manhattan's came out as quickly as we ordered them and I couldn't wait for the first sip. Kentucky changed me because I've always been a whiskey fan, but I was just used to the Jack and ginger and hadn't really gotten into the heavier stuff. I was told the fruit rinds were nontraditional but I thought they made the drink so much better, adding a slight citrus twist to the full-bodied woody flavor. As the ice melted, it became easier to drink but lost a little bit of the bite. Service was so amazing, the drink was such a refresher, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to St. Charles.
(4)
Alyssa K.
insiderlouisville.com/li… Looks like it's closed
(3)
Teena H.
I had high hopes for St. Charles Exchange, after reading several positive reviews. I went for my first visit this past Friday evening, with an 8 p.m. reservation. I left sorely disappointed. The service was terribly slow, and one dish - the pork fritters - was actually served cold. Not even lukewarm. It was the temperature it would be if it had been sitting out for 10-15 minutes before they brought it to the table. It was horrible. But let me tell about my entire experience. I'd made reservations with the plan to have dinner there. Arrived right at 8 p.m. for my reservation. The place was about 2/3's full. There was only one person taking orders for every table in the restaurant and bar. We sat for about 20 minutes before anyone came to fill our water glasses. The waitress came over at that moment, frantic, when she said she saw that we hadn't been "watered" to use her word. We had been about to leave, but really wanted to give the place a chance and she was so nice that we thought, "okay, a small mistake, but they can recover and we can have a good time here." The waitress came back a few minutes later to take our drink order. We waited another 15-20 minutes and still hadn't received our cocktails. It was 8:45 p.m. at this point. We'd been sitting for 45 minutes and hadn't even gotten a cocktail. We wanted to get up and leave, but the waitress had been so upset that we'd been ignored that we actually didn't want her to feel bad. So we stayed. Finally the drinks arrived. But by that point, we decided to skip ordering entrees and just have a couple of appetizers and then head next door to the 21C Museum Hotel and have a drink and more food in their bar area. We didn't want to risk waiting another hour or so before our food arrived at St. Charles Exchange. The appetizers arrived - Elvis on Horseback, the peanut butter stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, and the Pork Fritters. As mentioned, the fritters tasted fine, but they were nearly cold and meant to be served piping hot. The stuffed dates were good, but really tiny. I'd had goat-cheese stuffed dates at Mojitos the night before and they were huge and utterly delicious. These left me saying "meh." So finally, at 9:45 p.m., we left. After one drink each and two appetizers. An hour and 45 minutes to get served what should have took 45 minutes tops at most places around town. The experience was so bad that despite the pretty setting and the friendly (albeit stressed to the max) waitress, that we won't be returning. The 21C Museum Hotel is literally across the street and the food is so much better and the setting is just as cool.
(1)
Michael K.
I am reading all the past review.. and I am baffled at what everyone is saying, for the $$$ the food is OK, and service is POOR at best. Do not go here if you have any plans after dinner, as we sat at our table close to 3 hrs for average food. The restaurant atmosphere was great, but it does not cover up the bismal service and trend following menu that leaves your tastebuds disappointed. I am starting to loose faith in my fellow Louisvillians and their ability to truly rate restaurants that deserve a 3-5 star rating.
(1)
Seema K.
3.5 stars really (but I rounded up to 4). I've been to St. Charles a few times and have generally enjoyed my experience. We went again this past weekend so this review is based mainly on that visit: 1. Great cocktails. I got the Autumn on Main, my husband got two other drinks (one was their take on the pisco sour) and all three were delicious. 2. Yummy appetizers - we shared the deviled eggs (you get 5 egg halves, all different flavors) and the panzanella. The eggs were great and unique (although I think we've had some tastier combos here in the past, but that's personal preference) and the panzanella was nice and light with arugula, balsamic vinaigrette, Stilton blue cheese, and cornbread -- yum! 3. The entree course was where things fell flat for me. I asked the waitress to tell me about 2 entrees on the menu -- she couldn't really tell me much about either as they were apparently new dishes. I get that a waiter may not know all the dishes inside and out, but it would have been nice if she could have offered to get some info on them. Regardless, I went with the ricotta dumplings, and I just can't imagine they came out the way they should have. The dumplings themselves were dense and dry, and pretty flavorless. The rest of the dish - sage cream, almonds, rapini, dried figs (!) -- were all great, but man, those dumplings. I guess "dumplings" can mean various things but again, based on what I've had here in the past, those must have been mistakes. My husband got the burger and said it hit the spot. 4. For dessert we shared the cinnamon creme brulee which was great -- nice rich chocolate with cinnamon you could taste quite well. Overall, it was a good experience. The only other odd thing was that our waitress disappeared for awhile at some point in the night, but the rest of the waitstaff was wonderful about checking on us, bringing out drinks and clearing the table. And the ambiance at the place is great. We'll certainly be back.
(4)
Evan B.
St. Charles Exchange is the epitome of quality over quantity. I struggle coming up with something I would change about my dining experience. How I came to know this establishment was pure happenstance - I was working in the area and the GM came and greeted me. It was a cold day and she invited me in for a cup of coffee. Naturally, my eyes lingered to the fantastic bar - the vast array of bourbons, the antique architecture combined with the classic, pre-prohibition, atmosphere sold me. I had to return. So my wife and I did just that to celebrate her birthday (Happy birthday, babe!) We were promptly greeted and sat. Our waitress, Melissa, was superb. She was attentive, but not overbearing. She was very knowledgeable of the menu and various cocktails. To get started we ordered the root beer wings and two drinks - Bourbon Buck for my wife, and an Old Fashion for myself. This is one of many avenues in which St. Charles Exchange excels. Several bars claim to have "hand crafted" cocktails. But few take it as seriously as St. Charles Exchange. They keep the history and heritage of the drink in tact but use the freshest of ingredients. The juices are squeezed fresh, the syrups are made in-house daily. Easily the best Old Fashion I've ever had. Though it isn't on the menu, it's one of their more popular drinks. The nose and flavor were exquisite. Lean back, take a sip and you're ushered back into the 20's. The wings seemed somewhat out of place on their menu. They were good, but a little too sweet for my preference. That's to be expected. They were just as Melissa described. Although their menu isn't expansive we struggled on what to order - everything sounded amazing! I finally decided to go with the pork chop, my wife got the lamb burger. The pork chop was thick cut...I said THICK cut. The problem I have when I grill a chop this thick at home is it dries out. Not this one. It cut like butter and was amazingly juicy. Last bite just as delicious as the first. It was served with smoked gouda polenta and creamed spinach. The lamb burger was just as delicious and juicy. If you haven't had lamb before and are little leery about trying other "fancy" lamb dishes, check this one out. It was served with lamb fat fries - yes they're as good as they sound. We were offered two deserts and couldn't decide. So what's the American thing to do? Order both! Strawberry shortcake and Derby Pudding. The shortcake came in three small cakes topped with a strawberry jam, homemade whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Delicious and refreshing. The Derby Pudding, however, was rich and decadent. Homemade chocolate pudding is served in a baked pie crust topped with bourbon vanilla ice cream. The ice cream sets the dish apart from any desert I've had. So good. All in all, St. Charles exchange offers a classic atmosphere with historic cocktails, and a modern menu. Add in exceptional service and you have a truly pleasant and unique dining experience in Downtown Louisville.
(5)
Glenn T.
A bourbon based rift on the old school/hipster conceit, yet an opportunity squandered. Squandered by the restaurant by failing to capitalize on location, space and concept. For a visitor from a smaller community with a narrower range of dining options, a squandered evening at table. Of the two, the latter is the more egregious. Local sourcing is a positive only if the result is a product of equal or exceptional quality. Otherwise, it's but a marketing gimmick. Such was the case with the 16 ounce strip steak, which failed to measure up to the quality of the well-known upscale prime steak house chains or, surprisingly, to some of the better family dining steak restaurants. Preparation was a disappointment. Overcooked, pre-sliced, accelerating it's already begun slide to room temperature. While price can on occasion be a concern, value always is. The St. Charles Exchange tariff was greater than the above mentioned prime chains, thus the value lower. The ubiquitous brussels and bacon combination was perfunctory at best. The roasted new potatoes, while neither new or well roasted, did nicely balance out the presentation. A slice of flavored butter was so cold that a thin layer of ice required the hearty whack of a knife for access. The chocolate mousse was good, giving it pride of place as the highlight of the meal. Overall, the quality of ingredients and preparation was that of a midrange hotel banquet event. Service was friendly but sporadic, on the outside edge of timely. No bread offered, no appetizers explained. Specials required inquiry. Cocktails were a different matter with the Soma take-off on a Manhattan exceptional. The signature Old Fashion was an Old Fashion. All in all, a good choice for a drink before dinner but a pedestrian choice for dinner following a drink. I you've but one night for dinner during a Louisville visit, expand your horizon.
(2)
Dan G.
Bar review We were in town about a year ago and we looked through the windows one night walking back to the 21C. It looked really nice. It turned out to be a beautiful place. We stopped in for some drinks over the weekend and sat at the bar. My wife had a glass of wine and I chose the Four Roses KBG from their selection of 66 bourbons. Yep, 66. Loved the bourbon that I called and enjoyed the vibe. I'll certainly be back the next time in the Ville and maybe grab some food.
(4)
Alex R.
Service - uninspired and unnerving Food - reads better than it tastes Drinks and flights - great Generally overpriced High expectations from menu and ambiance that didn't deliver. I'll go across the street to PROOF.
(2)
Dan A.
Great atmosphere. Casual with a high end feel. They had a nice size menu although their main courses seemed to be in the wrong season. We were a party of four and three of our entrees were very heavy, rustic and would have been perfect accompanied by a big glass of red and a wool sweater. Not in May. With that being said I ordered the Eel and it was outstanding! It was with avicoto and citrus mix that was on point 100%. Everyone else couldn't keep their forks out of my business. I would love to go back but not if the menu contains fall dishes.
(3)
Matt Z.
Started off with deviled eggs and Elvis apps. Eggs were ok. The Elvis was very solid and different. My wife had the burger which was delicious. I went with the pork chop and it was very tasty. Very impressed with this place and would highly recommend to others looking to try something new.
(4)
Sarah W.
I think the bar would probably warrant 5 stars if you were just coming for cocktails. Usually, I drink bourbon. I mix it with water. Or melty ice. But when in Rome... how about you throw in some grapefruit syrup and bitters? The cocktails are delicious. You can't recreate them at home. You can't pick out all 19 of the flavors involved, but the 4 you recognize are pretty damn good. So go with it. Order something that sounds good, because it probably is. Or just have the bartender make you something, because that'll be even better. I think the restaurant was closer to 3 stars. Maybe 3 and a half. They are definitely getting a courtesy bump for the cocktails. The service was good - the right balance of attentive without being disruptive. And the space is lovely (although the mirror along the banquette was a little disconcerting. I'm not sure how I feel about watching myself eat). But at the end of the day it is about what's on your plate. Elvis on Horseback lived up to the hype. The entrees were good, but not great. The duck was cooked well, but for as inventive and complex as the cocktail flavors are, the sauce wasn't too far from your basic barbecue sauce. After all of the exclamation points with the drinks and starters, the main meal was punctuated a little less enthusiastically. But overall, 4 stars. I am, indeed, a fan.
(4)
Benjamin M.
If you're looking for a really neat dinner experience in Louisville, St. Charles Exchange should be at the top of your list. Relatively new to the West Main Street District, the restaurant has already developed a local following. The interior is impressive; they've converted an old building into a restaurant reminiscent of a 1920s hotel lobby bar. The windows, mirrors, big clock above the bar, leather seats, dim lights--everything adds something special to the atmosphere. Maybe this is really nerdy/weird, but the hardwood floors are particularly awesome. I ordered the NY Strip (the online menu says filet--but that has changed), and it was top-notch. We also had the smoked chicken wings as an appetizer, and I finished dinner with the apple strudel. All of the food was excellent. The servers wear 1920s style clothing which is cool, too. Service was decent but not outstanding.
(4)
Nick M.
Amazing bar, pretty laid back with some nice live jazz. Great way to kick off the evening.
(5)
Jonathan S.
After my last review, I received a message from the management staff apologizing for the poor service and offering an opportunity for a complementary visit. After consideration, I decided to accept their offer. I arrived on a Saturday night around 6 pm. This time the service was prompt, and we were seated in the dining area. The atmosphere is very classic, reminiscent of a 19th century dining establishment. The food was superb; the highlight of the meal was the lemon tart, served with an accompaniment of pickled blueberries. By itself the sweet and sour tastes of the pickling and fruit would seem off-putting, but combined with the lemon it made for a surprisingly delightful and nuanced taste. The prices are high, but then again, they are on par with most other high-caliber restaurants in the downtown and NuLu areas.
(5)
Victor R.
Honestly, I am wildly surprised at the number of positive reviews on S.T.E. I was also excited about it, and dined as part of a foursome Saturday night. Here are some of the tasting notes from our table: "Swordfish tastes microwaved." "Potatoes taste like boiled water." "Someone spilled a whole jar of truffle oil in the deviled eggs." Two of us ordered the lamburgers, which were both overcooked. Yam croquette (came with the duck) was burned beyond recognition. Drinks are wildly overpriced and underwhelming; you are paying for the hipster bartender (er, sorry, mixologist). Service is slow and uncoordinated. It was a 2.5 hour meal, during which a server spilled a glass of water on me. On the plus side, the restaurant itself is beautiful.
(1)
Melanie K.
Please Exchange this restaurant for a Bar experience. I had high hopes for St. Charles, in fact I still do, so let me list the strengths of this location: 1. Location right off main street across from 21c 2. Hand crafted cocktails still the best old fashioned in the city 3. Atmosphere as it feels like an open to the public speak easy 4. Small Plates are done perfectly in portion and taste 5. Outdoor patio is great for large crowds, private parties, and wonderful shaded summer afternoons. Now let me explain how all of these strengths have still downgraded this restaurant to two stars by pointing out why I am taking away each star: 1. Service, if you want me to pay high end prices then you always over staff. I have dinned Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner and there are always never enough staff. Instead I wait and wait and wait. I don't mean waiting for my drinks I mean waiting for service. 2. Price point is ridiculous for food. How can you have a $15 set price brunch and then bring me a drink menu with $15 cocktails? You have a price dependency with the food. I have a $20 cheese plate across the street and I get 5 cheeses, fruit, plenty of bread, and hand crafted sauces. I have a $18 meat plate at St. Charles and I get thin sliced salami, Grey Poupon mustard in a ramekin, and 3 slices of french baguette. The large plates do not merit the price that is being charged, nor are the larger plates as unique and flavorful. 3. The kitchen, as in my reference earlier the kitchen is just not as strong as the bar experience. My drink is perfect every time, my Wagoo Burger and Brunch steak are never cooked to temp and for the prices you expect me to pay I want everything VIP perfect. In Summary, you will always get a five star bar experience, but you will never be satisfied that you got the value in your meal. My suggestion, ditch the kitchen and make St. Charles THE bar experience in town.
(2)
Jovan M.
This is what white table dining is about - great food, great drink, and top notch service. Courses are well paced and the meal is not hurried. Recommendations for food and wine pairings are on the spot. The ambiance of a historic building is accentuated and complimented by the decor and staff. Very enjoyable experience.
(5)
Amy P.
Wonderful craft drinks and a unique but delicious menu. Highly recommend!
(4)
Sean J.
Atmosphere - very classy, lounge-like even. Good music, good lighting, and great decor. Service - fantastic. I spilled a drink, and it was immediately replaced. I accidentally (stupid me) bought a $60 glass of scotch, and the waiter was nice enough to give me a discount. I insisted I pay for it because it was my own fault. Drinks - great cocktails. Con = No scotch menu, and only port available. Food - Great. The mussels were awesome, the scallops were great, and the grits were perfect. The dessert was also great ( I can't recall what....something chocolate). I highly recommend if you can afford it.
(4)
Scott P.
3.5 STARS - Love the drink menu and the location of the restaurant. The decor and the ambiance is fantastic. Wonderful night with friends and fun, however the food is a little pricey for the quality. I am impressed with the opportunity on the menu, but not sure the menu matches the quality of what comes out. The bar menu and appetizers are AMAZING, but the dinner menu just doesn't seem as good. There is Good food, just not great! But still a great place to start or end a long night in my opinion.
(3)
Lee F.
The disappointment I experienced here was nearly unparalleled in my years of fine dining all over the world. My friend and I made a reservation for Wednesday, evening (10/1/14) and arrived early to enjoy drinks at the bar beforehand. We had looked forward to a special evening and dressed for a lovely evening out. Our bartender acted as if we were an inconvenience, making no effort to make us feel welcomed and well served. Still looking forward to a better chapter to the evening, we were seated at our table only to find we would continue to be let down by both inept service and overcooked salmon. Our waiter could not answer our questions about the wine selections. We had to ask if there was a reserve list. When he brought the bottle of wine, he dashed off leaving the wine unopened along with a written critique of the selection. My friend got up to seek someone to open the bottle. There are many great restaurants in Louisville, skip this one.
(1)
Jeremy E.
Best meal I have had in Louisville. Great atmosphere. Great food. Great drinks. Why the 2 stars you ask? They are lucky I didn't give them 1 but I didn't want to be unfair. Service was just ok overall, which I can usually get over. We had ordered drinks from our server who was a pleasant gal. Another guy server was bringing over our bar drinks 10 minutes later, and apparently our server marked our seat numbers down wrong, although we didn't figure that out until their public fight. He dropped a drink down to the wrong person, and we told him it was down at the other end of the table. He then started spewing obscenities at our table and took the rest of the drinks on the tray and set them back on the edge of the bar. We had zero idea if he was mad at us, or someone else. So we had 1 guy out of 11 who had his martini, and everyone else was looking at their drinks 5 feet away while the guy server stormed off and had an audible shouting match with our server in the kitchen. Yeah, it was another 5 minutes before we got our drinks again. Look man, I get it. She screwed up, but don't show your ass an make yourself look like a dick and a fool by punishing the people who ultimately pay your rent. We had no idea there was a problem until you started dropping F bombs and stormed off. Be professional, especially for an upscale joint. I honestly don't know if I will go back. Great food is a draw, but hardly exclusive to the St Charles Exchange in Louisville.
(2)
Heather H.
This place has a lot of good things to offer, namely great food in a beautiful restaurant and for a very reasonable price. When I needed to plan my BFF's bachelorette party in Louisville, I immediately took to Yelp! to find a cool restaurant close to the Seelbach. Enter St. Charles Exchange. I made a reservation for 15 and everyone at the restaurant was very helpful in setting it up over the phone and through emails. We arrived and were immediately seated at our table. Love that we did not even need to wait for the entire party to be seated. Service was a little chaotic, which was suprising since the place was nearly empty save our table. Overall, it was a great experience. The Elvis on Horseback are a must order for appetizers. I wasn't super impressed with the Meat and Cheese platter, but Vegas really does charcuterie plates right, so I have admittedly high standards. Although the menu is small, there are some really interesting choices and don't be afraid. I had the lamb burger for my entree and loved it! The fries are thick, crispy and delicious. I stuck to beer since I was trying to wrangle this party train, but everyone who tried a signature cocktail raved about it. All in all, I would definitely recommend checking out St. Charles Exchange if you are looking for a sexy bar and interesting, reasonably priced food.
(4)
Thao T.
The mile high ceilings, the huge windows with flowing drapes, the leather seats, the old style bar and the waiters in suspenders conjure an image of a fancy speakeasy of the 1920s. Beautiful establishment that's perfect to show off to your out of town guests. I only had lunch there once so I can only review the three items I had. The smoky tomato soup was definitely smoky but I like the creamier version of this soup at the Butterfly Garden on Bardstown and everywhere else. Except those won't come with the fancy salty blue cheese in the middle and a fried green herb leave. The forest mushroom French dip would be so much better if the caramelized onion and mushrooms were not so lip puckering sour. The sauce also needed a little more seasoning and salt. I enjoyed the thick duck fat fries and I really had the best pickled cucumber here. My companions enjoyed their meals of salad, sliders, and fried shrimps po boy. The foods here are definitely more gourmet looking and you pay for that too. Will come back to give it another try.
(3)
Amber S.
I am impressed. Our menu consisted of: The deviled eggs (each egg tasted differently and oh-so-delicious) The dates (wrapped in bacon and drizzles with a spicy peanut butter sauce) Swordfish (my first time and it is a must) Duck (cooked med, and also my first time) Old Fashion (spicy and yummy) Bread Pudding cake (cannot recall the exact) Everything was superb, and I will gladly go back. Great date place.
(5)
JL Q.
I went here for a very special occasion and even though our server did what he could, my experience wasn't a good one. My appetizer, fried oysters, was presented about medium temperature, not hot. My sandwich, the patty melt, wasn't at all hot. In fact, the cheese wasn't melted. I sent it back and a new lunch came out. Since its basically a hamburger on bread, you'd think there would be some kind of seasoning but it was the most bland tasting patty melt on record. Even salt and pepper didn't help it, which I had to ask for because no table had shakers on them. Funny, but the items ordered by the people in my party were fine. My niece ordered something that our server returned to say was not available. REALLY? At 12 noon, something isn't already available? Ok, whatever. I can easily say I will never return to this place and hope that anyone reading this has better luck than I had.
(1)
K K.
Loved it here! Beautiful bar & decor. Outdoor patio more casual but great too. Food was delicious and very interesting. Had Elvis on Horseback (dates wrapped with bacon and stuffed with peanut butter), flight of deviled eggs, and fried Cornish hen with watermelon & blue cheese....very interesting flavors together. Mixology was some of the best we've experienced. Peanut butter infused bourbon...great! Our server Dean was fabulous. Loved it so much we tried to bring a group back 2 days later but they were closed on Sunday. Will definitely return!
(5)
Chris B.
Been here several times. Best drinks in town and best interiors of any restaurant in Louisville. Food is simple but good.
(5)
Nik H.
I have been here for drinks a few times. Never eaten here, but I plan on doing so very soon. This place has the best old fashioned in the city of Louisville. They also have a lot of other cool drinks. Some used to be popular and are making a comeback. Others they have added their own little variation and improved on them significantly. Definitely check them out if you're tired of drinking the same boring drinks all the time. The waiters/bartenders I've had were really honest about whether a drink is good or not, too. They will steer you in the right direction if you ask them. And if you're interested in bourbon, which if you're from Kentucky you probably are, their list is pretty extensive.
(5)
Ashley D.
I went here to split a bottle of wine with a friend. There weren't a lot of people there, so maybe the staff was bored. They were constantly hovering around our table. It felt like they wanted to sit there with us. I liked the atmosphere and the menu looks great, but I prefer to not be smothered when I go out to eat. I know they were just being helpful, but we told them several times we didn't want food, just wine and that we didn't need anything else and were still asked several more times.
(3)
Benjamin R.
We had a really good meal here across the board. The best part was the Elvis on Horseback appetizer
(4)
Morgan H.
I can't give a full five stars because I only had a cocktail here; I'm sure they earn all five. The "storefront" and the interior of the restaurant are both beautiful. While sitting at the bar having the Bourbon Buck, Circa 1916, I felt like I was in a speakeasy. TONS of spirits to chose from. My bar tender was really nice, didn't get his name but he had a mustache that was similar to a handlebar. Real authentic. lol When in Kentucky, this is definitely a destination to hang out and have great drinks with friendly service.
(4)
Katie W.
I only went there for cocktails, but WOW were they delicious. The Manhattan was super smooth, and the Kentucky Cup was tasty. The bartender was really cool and talked with us about the cocktail list while he spent probably 5 minutes carefully crafting our drinks. Will definitely be back to try out the food.
(5)
Lauren T.
great cocktails!
(4)
Jordan M.
If there was a three and a half star rating, that's where I'd put St. Charles. I've done lunch a few times and haven't been disappointed, the lunch menu has a reasonable amount of options at very reasonable prices , the service is good and responsive, and the food is certainly above average. I really like what they have done with the space too; they have definitely worked on decor since opening. Their drink prices are a bit on the high end, but you should be on notice based on the decor and they're not extremely high.
(4)
Danielle W.
New2Lou hosted this event (check them out on Facebook or MeetUp to see what these events are all about!) that gave me an excellent excuse to head out on a weeknight for some great company. They have a patio behind the restaurant and two floors of seating at this downtown location which makes for a unique option in this neighborhood. The style is pre-prohibition style cocktails that makes for a great networking and romancing environment. You have to have a conversation with the bartenders. They really know their stuff. Tell them what you like and ask for their suggestion. Then take their suggestion! If they get it wrong they're better than Starbucks at fixing it. They'll watch you take your first drink and judge from there. They also taste your drink before they give it to you. True mixologists. These are the first I've encountered since coming to Louisville (the first and only true chemists of concoctions I had met like this before was in Lexington at Table 310) and I was impressed. They also have these nifty ice balls that have decreased surface area in order to keep your drink cool while not melting down and diluting the piqued flavors. I didn't have a chance to sample the food but there were some bacon-wrapped delicacies on the menu that struck my fancy so that the next time I return I'll have to give it a whirl. Professional staff, excellent networking event hosts, clean restrooms, lovely atmosphere and ample street parking. Add all that up and you get 5 shiny stars.
(5)
Rachel F.
Glad to say this has gone up to a 4-star for me. Maybe it was just a fluke on the cocktails I tried last time, because the Diablo (pink and pretty, but potent) and the Old-Fashioned were solid. The cocktails are exactly that, proper cocktails, so if it is slammed at the bar don't expect to get one in any sort of hurry. Frustrating but kind of part of it! The manager and owner were both very visible and concerned with their customers' well-being, which I have a lot of respect for - especially in a new establishment. Next time, I'll brave the Cowboy drink that sounds pretty out there :)
(4)
Mike G.
Great choice in historic Louisville. The manager offered us tastes of a variety of Bourbons and we are now fans. Highly recommended.
(4)
Wayne O.
We loved everything! Service was great. Food was fabulous! Atmosphere very cheery and friendly! Will go back for sure!
(5)
R M.
Fantastic addition to Louisville. The cocktails are amazing and properly made with attention to every last detail. I think saying it brings new life into the classic cocktails is an understatement. The staff is attentive, courteous and everything you could imagine for a fine dining experience. The food is superb! Again, the attention to flavors, seasonings and detail are not forgotten in what surely is a memorable meal. The deviled eggs are an amazing twist on a summer staple. These are not your grandma's eggs! They are raised to a level that will please even the most sophisticated of palates! For my entree I had scallops that were cooked to perfection! I can assure you I will be going back! The GM is very polite and said hello personally to our table (and most around the restaurant) - which I felt just describes this place and why it is so successful. No detail is left unattended. We even had a little preview of an outdoor space they anticipate using in the future. I am already planning my return visit to St. Charles Exchange! Again, it is an amazing new addition to the Louisville downtown.
(5)
Heather K.
Creative food and drinks that generally meet expectations. The interior design of the space and the quality of the service are worthy of 5 stars. I need to eat here a couple of more times to give the food 5 stars. That being said, I would eat at St. Charles Exchange again and take out of town guests here.
(4)
Mindy A.
Worst fine-dining experience ever. Seriously. I get that it's Derby. I get that it's the craziest time of year in Louisville - but for what we paid, the level of service was beyond ridiculous. Reservation was made 3 months in advance - party of 8 - birthday / derby celebration. When making the reservation, I confirmed that they would be able to accommodate dietary restrictions with their limited menu. I was assured they would be able to, no problem - so, went ahead and kept the reservation. Upon getting ready to place our first order - our waiter told us 'I just checked with the kitchen and we won't be able to make anything for you (w/ dietary restriction)'. At this point I asked for a manager and she assured us that it was not a problem. Everything pretty much went downhill from there -- no silverware (on several occasions), every plate was set down in front of the wrong person EVERY TIME, orders were prepared incorrectly. When the waiter promised to check on something, we never heard back. When we asked how many drinks the punchbowl served he first answered, '60', then, 'no, wait - 40'. Then he left, came back and told us it was actually '10 drinks'. We got 40 drinks out of it. We would have ordered the smaller size if we would have known that much was in there!! To add salt to the wound of this terrible dining experience - we had to pay $100 per person (prix-fixe menu), plus drinks, PLUS an AUTOMATIC 20% GRATUITY. Under normal circumstances this would have been fine - but I'm shocked that after all of the glaring errors, we were not offered any concessions. The food, that we did get that was correct, was delicious. That's where the 2 stars come from. Not enough for us to ever set food in this place again.
(2)
Kellyo O.
Went with two other girlfriends as we were out bar hopping and trying out some places that have been on our short lists but we hadn't been able to get to until now. We were very impressed with the cocktails! Our bartender was a sweet and strange bird and I liked her. I ordered the Diablo and it was OUT OF THIS WORLD good. Usually by your third cocktail you start to slip on knowing the difference between a really great cocktail and just another round but oh boy could I tell. This was something special! One of my girlfriends had the Bee's Knees which was fabulous as well. The other friend had the Jet Pilot. Also wonderful. I am a fan of the libations but my golly have the prices gone up in the last few years on cocktails in this town. (No, I don't get out much!) We also ordered the deviled egg platter to split as we had already eaten but had heard they were wonderful and wanted to try them. Meh... not so much. The egg whites (or colored whites) were rubbery and the eggs themselves were tiny. They also looked nothing like the pretty picture on their website menu. Ours came out on a plain white dish with no garnish on the dish or the egg. Oh well. Maybe that was from sitting at the bar and ordering food?? I definitely would NOT order them. Totally not worth it. We didn't even finish them that's how much we were not impressed. (And believe me, we don't leave food!) All in all though, we think it is a 4 - star for the cocktails themselves. Gotta love a delicious and STRONG drink to end the day!
(4)
Elizabeth B.
This place is good. The drinks are strong, the atmosphere is very cool and I am really excited about the outdoor area that is in the works. Once that outdoor area is finshed I might have to up my start rating. The prices are high, but the drinks are well crafted so it is worth it. A great spot for a happy hour after work or a drink or two to get the night started. Not somewhere to hang all night, but a very similar feeling to Meat but without the free snacks and more light. I'm going to go again and will keep you posted on how my opinion changes on my second visit with a outside area! (fingers crossed)
(3)
Tiffany M.
I like this place. If you could hear the way my voice goes up at the end of the sentence, you would know what I mean. Like, I like this place? I do. I really do. It's a nice bar. Every drink I've had has been outstanding. I've only eaten here once, but from what I've tried the food is top notch. I've had fun-filled nights here with friends. That being said, there is just this air of pretentiousness that just bothers me. It kind of makes me feel like I'd rather take my business elsewhere. I'm sure I'll go back again but there is always that nagging feeling that I shouldn't.
(3)
Lauren B.
I tried St. Charles Exchange for the first time this week for lunch. It was DELICIOUS! I can't say enough about this place. To start, the building is beautiful. I love that its been restored...and fits perfectly for this restaurant. We started with the deviled eggs (YUM!), the dates (YUM! Even though the description sounds interesting, you should definitely try them) and the mussles (also YUM!, even though its not something I would normally try - I did and was impressed). I had the Kentucky Hot Brown Monte Cristo for lunch. It was amazing - I would absolutely recommend it. Others at the table had the Lamb burger on english muffin, the Po Boy of the day, and the sliders. Everyone was more than impressed with what they had. I will definitely be going back for dinner!
(5)
Suzanne G.
Oh this place has so much character and provides a welcome break to the same hum drum dinner and drinks experience! My first thought after arriving was "This would be a great place for a theme date in flapper attire!" But hey that's me. If you appreciate the rich history of the prohibition-era talk easy, great old fashion drinks crafted by hand and being surrounded in a good mix of people with great lighting and delicious food- give it a try!
(4)
M E.
#NAME?
(3)
Anthony C.
Having sent folks visiting Philly to their sister spot there I was anxious to try the Louisville outpost. Was not disappointed. Ate at the bar and was impressed by the Bartenders ability to both make good drinks while also keeps a fair distance to allow conversation amongst the party. Great food I dont remember all the details of the meal as it was part of a solid week of dining out but I was more than pleased with the atmosphere and the quality and consistency of the menu. Highly recommended. Not quite the speakeasy vibe but also not as accesible as other spots downtown.
(4)
Peter J.
Outstanding food and service not to mention a great specialty bar.
(5)
Sam S.
The food is great! The wait staff and managers are helpful and friendly. And most importantly the drinks are thirst quenching, unique and fun.
(5)
Melissa W.
Great bar and drinks!
(4)
Jaz R.
Best cocktails in town.
(4)
Colette W.
My husband and I were visiting Louisville for Thunder and stayed at 21 C Museum Hotel. We decided to try the place across the street and were not disappointed. St. Charles Exchange is BEAUTIFUL, the service was OUTSTANDING and our meals were DELICIOUS!
(5)
Jason B.
Great cocktails! Smoked chicken wings app was amazing. Well trained and attentive service. I'll go back and eat dinner when I get the chance, a unique place that fits Louisville well.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy 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 : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Emily H.
I feel like I could eat a McDonald's hamburger in St. Charles Exchange, and it would still feel chic, high end. Not to say that their food is like fast food -- very, very much the opposite of that. But the ambiance and attention to detail at this posh spot brings the dining experience to a whole new level. So earlier today, I finally got to eat a meal at St. Charles Exchange. I had only been there in the past for appetizers and drinks, which were always fabulous. I took advantage of the $15 502 Lunch Week deal and chose the grogranica greens salad and croque madame with frites from the options offered. The salad was fruity and sweet, and the croque madame was a grand dame of a sandwich indeed, with ham, rich sauce and an egg on top. This sandwich looks hefty, and while I'm sure it did not help my waistline, I didn't leave feeling overly stuffed, which was nice. And since it's Bourbon Heritage Month, I had to try one of St. Charles Exchange's great bourbon cocktails. Feeling fun, I got the PB&B, which is made with peanut butter-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon, Sprecher Puma Cola and a smoked strawberry. You could really taste the peanut butter in it, but it worked well with the bourbon. This drink was like a childhood memory, taken to an adult level. Lounging back in the tall booths or gazing at the bar, St. Charles Exchange makes me feel like I've taken a trip back to the 20s perhaps. It's a fun place to bring locals and guests. But at the same time, the look isn't gimmicky. It's just sleek. Can't wait to go back -- perhaps for dinner!
(4)Sarah H.
I was with a group of 15 on a Saturday night. We had a reservation at 7:30 and were seated with no wait. The service was prompt - we told our server we had tickets to a show and needed to finish within 2 hours of being seated. Our servers were very attentive and all our meals came out correct and delicious. I would definitely recommend this place and hope to return again soon. I'd love to take my significant other here because it seems like the perfect place for a romantic date. The only negative was, some members of our group used 10% off coupons that were provided by our hotel concierge. The waitress did seem a bit annoyed...those who didn't use the coupon received their checks back intermediately, but the coupons took a while and we were told a manager had enter each one manually. So, if you have a coupon I would suggest you let the server know when ordering to avoid any issues.
(5)Christopher S.
I can't wait to dine at St. Charles Exchange again! I spent a small fortune on my meal, but it was entirely worth it. A friend of mine and I went during 502 Restaurant Week and ordered from the 4-course restaurant week menu, which just meant I would spend more than I normally would. I normally would not order 4 courses for a meal. From what I can tell the restaurant week did not offer any noticeable discount or special menu items. Regardless, the restaurant week menu allowed me to try more dishes that I normally would not have tried. For the appetizer, I ordered the deviled eggs, and my friend ordered the mussels. The mussels were excellent and most of the deviled eggs were as well. I do not think the deviled egg flavors are consistent day-to-day, but my favorite was definitely the Sriracha one. There was also a country ham egg, which was tasty. The least interesting seemed like just a normal deviled egg to me and lacked flavor (especially compared to the other options). I ordered the Cornbread Panzanella as my salad, and it was awesome. Brussels sprouts (I love anything with Brussels sprouts), blue cheese, arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette...very tasty! My friend had the beet salad. He did not seem to be a fan (he said beets taste like dirt), but I liked the bite of it that I had. I ordered the Verlasso Salmon as my entree, and like everything above, it was also great. The salmon also had Brussels sprouts - woohoo! I would get the salmon again in a heartbeat. My friend ordered the duck, and he seemed to be in love with it. He also said he'd get the duck again. I tried the duck, it was good, but I am not a huge duck fan. For dessert I ordered the cinnamon roll bread pudding, and my friend ordered the espresso creme brulee. Both were very good, but I was quite glad to have the bread pudding as I enjoyed it much better than the creme brulee. In addition to the good food, the atmosphere is incredible. It has a very Old World feel to it, which I enjoy. There was also a 2 piece jazz band that night. Listening to jazz and having three fantastic Old Fashioneds (the best in Louisville by far) makes for a great evening. When it was all said and done,..I spent $105 after tip and tax for just me. YIKES! Again, well worth every penny. I will definitely be back (but may have to skip the 4 course meal).
(5)Kathy V.
Good location. AH-mazing outdoor patio! I can't believe that we were the only ones out there last night....it was beautiful! I hope our waiter didn't hate us too much.... I didn't order any food, we really just wanted some cocktails and enjoy them outside. I got something with "devil" in the name and the Caribbean Comber. Both were delicious, the comber being my favorite. Drinks are pricey but they are also nice and strong. I certainly recommend it for drinks. Food options look pretty good too!
(4)Laura P.
The deviled eggs are amazing - six different preparations of deviled eggs. This alone should garner a 5 star review. The bartender, Cora, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and we had a great time tasting bourbon and enjoying the 4th of July.
(5)Molly B.
This place was amazing! The bartender was cute wand friendly plus the food and beer was great! I had the exchange burger with in was a tad over cooked but still juicy some how. My fried has the short ribs and my fiancé had the steak frites which he loved. The prices were reasonable and the food was beyond exceptional. The place had a really cool vibe and its building was stepped in history. I loved the exposed brick and location in downtown new Albany! Can't wait to go back and tell you even more unique things about this place on my next visit!
(5)Bruce E.
wonderful gem downtown. i love the outdoor seating. The food is refreshing the atmosphere is fun and inviting. The people all seem very happy and upbeat and willing to help you and serve you.
(4)Chris W.
It was my 1st visit to this location and I was a little skeptical after reading some of the reviews. I didnt know what to expect. I must say I was very happily impressed with my experience this visit and would recommend to others as well as go again sometime. It is very expensive when it is all said and done, but a place you go once in a while to celebrate something etc. It happened to be the Saturday after Valentines Day, they still had their Valentines Menu in place for this evening and many people were there to celebrate Valentines Day. The place was packed, but the service was good considering this. We sat at the bar 1st to have a drink, we had the Old Fashion (was great) and Chocolate Martini (Great also). Then sat at our table and on came the food. The Devil Eggs are incredible and a neat start. I had the Qual and it was incredibly delish, wife had the petite filet/oscar style with a crab topping she too loved it. For Dessert the Bourbon Cake and that was very delish as well. Atmosphere was incredible, it is the oldest building in Louisville and the entire building is Brown Forman's corporate offices with the restaurant using a small part of the bottom floor of the building.
(5)Becky M.
The Old Fashioned available for happy hour hit the spot. We visited on a business trip based on the advice of locals. Glad we stopped in for the comfy leather couches and long, long bar. We only stayed for an early drink, but the saloon / Prohibition-style atmosphere was just right. Felt like I experienced a touch a true old Louisville.
(4)Preston C.
I went to St. Charles Exchange with my family a few weeks ago and loved it. Unfortunately, the grill in the kitchen was having problems and out of commission, so we were only able to get cocktails and some appetizers. The cocktails had innovative twists on many classics and the small plates were delicious. Out of all the restaurants I've been to in Louisville, this one has my favorite atmosphere. The bar is beautiful and every detail highlights the beauty of this old 19th century, downtown Louisville building. A great new addition to the downtown restaurant scene. I can't wait to go back and try the full menu. Great place to bring out of towners and show them what Louisville is all about! Great hospitality, atmosphere, bourbons, small plates and an all around lovely experience.
(5)Ben R.
I read the reviews of this place and figured it was a must visit in Louisville. The ambiance was definitely top-notch, better than many places I have visited in my travels. The decor was awesome including the massive entrance that house these magnificent blinds. The selection of bourbons and whiskeys was on par with any bar that wants to house the banner for being a bar in Bourbon Country. Additionally, I visited the establishment during happy hour and a quality Old Fashioned cost $5. That's solid right there. My group enjoyed several small plate appetizers including the mussels and the deviled egg plate. These were solid dishes that I recommend but must say that the deviled egg dish was awesome creatively. In my opinion, quality ice is often the forgotten ingredient in a cocktail. However, this place has superb square block ice in every drink. The only negative, our bartender was really lame. Only said a handful of words to us over the 2 hours we were there. Rather disappointing but I had good company with me.
(4)T W.
great food slow service. i loved the food but always had to allow extra time for the slow service. if they were actually busy i dont think they could hadle the rush. people would have come more if you could have gave them decent service. its like they hired pretty people that were not use to having to move. my blind grandma moved faster. maybe next time they open a place they will hire servers with some gusto . not lead in thier shoes. thats why your closed now
(3)Megan A.
I have been here twice in about a three week period; once for dinner and once for drinks with some friends and I have to give this place the 5 star review it deserves. I came here for dinner with a date and we both split the deviled egg appetizer (we both haven't stopped thinking of that dish since!) and then I had the cheese plate and he tried one of their vegetarian dishes. Both of us were quite pleased with our chocies. We also tried their signature Old Fashioned, which was bourbon heaven. I typically only drink bourbon on the rocks, but this drink was to perfection! We also stopped in there last night with another couple for drinks as the Bats game was rained out. It was very quiet, but my friend and I split a bottle of wine, while the men both enjoyed bourbon and some cocktails off the list. We really had a wonderful time. Both times the waiter and the bartender have been knowledgeable and accomodating. I very much recommend this place for either dinner or drinks; you can't go wrong here.
(5)Aprill K.
Another great restaurant in Louisville! The food is excellent and the drinks are very tasty. I love the vintage theme with the drinks and decor. This is a great date night restaurant! PS - the deviled eggs are very tasty!
(5)Samantha D.
LOVED IT! Went for drinks after work and it was great. We sat at the bar and the prices were great for happy hour. It can be quite expensive but the general feel of the restaurant, the decoration and service makes it worth it. Will definitely go back!
(5)Rhonda G.
If I had known what I know now, I would have visited St. Charles Exchange a long time ago! They have managed to balance upscale, refined dining with stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. Let's start with the Manhattan. I order one everywhere I go but now I will compare all Manhattans with the St. Charles version. Our party of four then had deviled eggs appetizers and while it was unique, I can't say we would order it again. From there, I had the pork chop with greens and grits. Perfect and a very generous portion. You will not leave hungry. My companions had the shrimp & grits, the steak with mushrooms and risotto, and the duck breast. No one was disappointed. In fact, we were so satisfied that we had to pass on dessert. The wood floors, huge bar, and exposed brick are so beautiful. Our waiter, Chase, could not have been more professional and attentive. Dean also stopped by several times and even answered our questions about the history of the building. I look forward to returning when the outdoor courtyard is open because it looked so beautiful with the brick and ivy.
(5)Greg S.
The ambience of St. Charles Exchange is very nice and that's what attracted me to it. You know you're in a high end and posh place as soon as you step in the door, but there's nothing snobbish about it either. I have only been here for drinks and I very much enjoyed it. I went after work and took advantage of happy hour by getting their $5 old fashioned. Typically, when I get an old fashioned somewhere it's too sweet, but I decided to give SCE a shot. They nailed it. Not too much sugar and they didn't throw gobs of cherries in it. It had sweetness with a nice strong bite and flavor of bourbon. After happy hour the drinks are pricey but not unreasonable. Two happy hour old fashioneds, a regular priced old fashioned and a glass of wine after a 25% tip I think was around $38. I prefer SCE to Proof on Main (right across the street) as a bar itself, but one advantage Proof has is being able to grab a drink and go enjoy the 21c museum. The service was good and I loved the atmosphere. It's a solid place to meet someone for drinks on a first date or to talk business with clients. I'll be back and when I do return I'm looking forward to grabbing a bite to eat.
(4)Valerie D.
My Hubby and I ate here for date night last night and had a great experience!! We had never been before but the restaurant came highly recommended by a friend. It did not disappoint. The old school ambiance was both sophisticated and welcoming and the staff were great! We ordered the Country Ham Fritters as an app and they were quite good. He had the burger while I had the scallops. Both were excellent and we cleaned our plates. I definitely plan on going back, maybe bringing along some friends!
(4)Don F.
Amazing food. 5 in our group for lunch. We shared "Elvis on Horseback" an interesting name for an equally interesting appetizer, bacon-wrapped peanut butter stuffed dates served with bourbon-bannana vinaigrette- YUM! 3 of us were intrigued by the grilled cheese with sliced pear and brussel sprouts and all 3 of us were amazed at how interesting and tasty this combination was, very very good, especially when accompanied by a cup pf the tomato/beet soup. 1 colleague had the burger with Kenny's white cheddar. Delish. Amazing food. Sadly, also amazingly poor service. We were one of the first tables sat for an early lunch..for some reason, in the bar? Our server took more than 20 min to take and serve water/coffee. Normally I'd give the benefit of circumstance and a pass, however sadly after waiting another 20 minutes to order, and then nearly 30 more to have our meals delivered; as such we spent nearly 2 hours over a what was a fine meal, but def took too long. The food is def interesting and the prices reasonable enough to return, just need to plan time accordingly.
(3)Grant O.
We went to St. Charles Exchange for a 'date night' prior to a show (Once-- which was fantastic). Ambience: Very cool restaurant. It is stylish and very trendy. Noise: We were seated in the back, initially with only one other couple-- it started very quiet and romantic. A larger group was seated partially through our meal-- it was then 'energetic.' Service: Truly excellent. Our waitress was very attentive and checking in frequently. She made a few excellent suggestions, and she even divided our entree into nice portions for each of us. Food Presentation: The plating was done well. Simple but elegant white plates with a pleasant arrangement of the food. Food Taste: Elvis on Horseback- Very tasty and savory. 4/5 stars." Deviled Eggs- Our 5 flavors were so-so. Garlic + Sage, Salmon, Bleu Cheese + Chard, Bacon + ?, and Truffle were the ones I can remember. Interesting, but really only made us desire good old-fashioned deviled eggs. 3/5 Cheese Plate- Very nice assortment with dried fruit and nuts. The bread served with it was amazing! I, the carnivore, missed meats to accompany the cheese, but overall it was very good. 4/5 Farmhouse Burger- Cooked well at medium and with very good seasoned fries. 4/5 Drinks: I had the SoMa and the Old-Fashioned. Both were very tasty and served elegantly. Price: Moderately expensive. Well with the price for a nice evening, but would not be a frequent place of ours to eat based on the price versus quality.
(4)Kyle M.
The bartenders here are expert mixologists. For real. The apps were ehhhh OK but everything after that was phenomenal. The cheese grits are some of the best I've had to this day. I went with the pork chop entree and it was great; on top of some stuffing and cole slaw type of item. I sort of wish I went with the NY strip steak as everyone around me at the table was raving about it. Maybe next time. As for the drinks we cleared out the rest of their Sonoma Cutrer and I personally stuck with the Old Fashions w/ Woodford Reserve double oaked. Classy place with amazing service!
(5)Aimee T.
I booked a reservation on March 5th for May 1st, so that my friends and I didn't miss out on a great meal while visiting Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. Plenty of time to be told about a prix fixe $125 menu as being the only option. I was only made aware of this on April 15- totally unacceptable! The menu sounded lackluster and the hostess could not have been less friendly in telling me about the situation. And when I asked to receive the menu via email, she took my information, yet never sent it and I had to call back. I've since cancelled and have no interest in giving them any money. In waiting so long to tell guests about their pricey sole option, I've missed out on the opportunity to rebook elsewhere and am now eating dinner at 5:45 at one of the only options left. So much for southern hospitality.
(1)Robin M.
One of my favorite places to frequent in Louisville. The bar is amazing just like the old fashioned.
(5)Susan S.
The atmosphere is great. Beautiful venue. Service was great. Food was pathetic. Had the turkey club which was basically bread and very little turkey with no flavor whatsoever.
(1)Marshall H.
Very inattentive bar service, very slow food, and lukewarm food when it arrived. Bread on the sliders was stale and tasted days old. Ok cocktail, but that doesn't make up for the other shortcomings.
(2)Scott L.
My wife and I were staying across the street at 21C and had already eaten at Proof, which was somewhat underwhelming. We were trying to figure out which of a few dinner options we might go with and actually stopped into St Charles just to have a pre-dinner beverage. We sat at the bar and ordered a couple of cocktails and the deviled eggs, figuring we had to give the specialite de la maison a try at least. Suffice it to say the cocktails and deviled eggs sufficiently blew our hair back that we decided to stay put for dinner. The deviled eggs were awesome... if you're considering them, don't let the garish colors in the Yelp photos fool you. The flavors were subtle and well balanced. Even the truffle preparation was delicate and not palate crushing-ly mushroomy, which seems to happen a lot when chefs get ahold of truffle oil. The menu has changed since we were there, but I had a fish entrée and my wife had pork. We stayed at the bar for dinner and the bartender was equally knowledgeable about the food menu as the cocktails, which is always a huge bonus when eating at the bar. Everything was perfectly cooked and easily the best meal we had during our stay. While the food left us very impressed, the fifth star is all due to the work behind the bar. My wife and I love a good cocktail and have sampled from lots of great bar programs up and down the West coast, and St Charles goes toe-to-toe with all of them. We didn't go off book, since the descriptions on the menu were thorough and interesting. My personal favorite was the Tennecillin. The current menu on their website shows it as a Pennecillin, made with all scotch. The drink I had was a Jack Daniels base (hence, the Tenn in Tennecillin... get it :) ). Something about the sweet of the bourbon and ginger with the phenolic tang of the Laphroaig just hit the bullseye smack dead center. I'd highly recommend asking for a similar preparation if you find yourself at the bar and thirsty for something between smoky and sweet. And if the JD makes you feel disloyal to Kentucky, I'm sure they'd accommodate with one of the many local options.
(5)Leigh W.
Great atmosphere! Sophisticated and simple. I love the cocktails and the cheese board. You can't go wrong with any of the cocktails. If you want to look like you're really in the know, order the Swizzle. It's no longer on the menu, but the bartenders will still make it. It's like a layered snow cone. Delicious and beautiful. There aren't a lot of options for vegetarians, but the salads and sides make for a fine meal. The desserts are all made in house, so save room for them. If you're a fan of ice cream, you'll be a fan of this place. I tried the sweet potato ice cream on my most recent visit and it was fantastic.
(4)Brandon R.
This was a fantastic bar with a truly exceptional bourbon selection. The bar manager was extremely knowledgable and pointed our group in the right direction when it came to local and hard to find bourbons. Must visit spot when in Louisville in a historic location.
(5)Ben W.
The best Manhattan in town. We met up with some friends for the famous Manhattan at St. Charles Exchange. The environment was real swanky, and I don't think I've seen as many bottles on the bar than here. Beer buckets were served in punch bowls. Servers were as nice as ever. Our Manhattan's came out as quickly as we ordered them and I couldn't wait for the first sip. Kentucky changed me because I've always been a whiskey fan, but I was just used to the Jack and ginger and hadn't really gotten into the heavier stuff. I was told the fruit rinds were nontraditional but I thought they made the drink so much better, adding a slight citrus twist to the full-bodied woody flavor. As the ice melted, it became easier to drink but lost a little bit of the bite. Service was so amazing, the drink was such a refresher, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to St. Charles.
(4)Alyssa K.
insiderlouisville.com/li… Looks like it's closed
(3)Teena H.
I had high hopes for St. Charles Exchange, after reading several positive reviews. I went for my first visit this past Friday evening, with an 8 p.m. reservation. I left sorely disappointed. The service was terribly slow, and one dish - the pork fritters - was actually served cold. Not even lukewarm. It was the temperature it would be if it had been sitting out for 10-15 minutes before they brought it to the table. It was horrible. But let me tell about my entire experience. I'd made reservations with the plan to have dinner there. Arrived right at 8 p.m. for my reservation. The place was about 2/3's full. There was only one person taking orders for every table in the restaurant and bar. We sat for about 20 minutes before anyone came to fill our water glasses. The waitress came over at that moment, frantic, when she said she saw that we hadn't been "watered" to use her word. We had been about to leave, but really wanted to give the place a chance and she was so nice that we thought, "okay, a small mistake, but they can recover and we can have a good time here." The waitress came back a few minutes later to take our drink order. We waited another 15-20 minutes and still hadn't received our cocktails. It was 8:45 p.m. at this point. We'd been sitting for 45 minutes and hadn't even gotten a cocktail. We wanted to get up and leave, but the waitress had been so upset that we'd been ignored that we actually didn't want her to feel bad. So we stayed. Finally the drinks arrived. But by that point, we decided to skip ordering entrees and just have a couple of appetizers and then head next door to the 21C Museum Hotel and have a drink and more food in their bar area. We didn't want to risk waiting another hour or so before our food arrived at St. Charles Exchange. The appetizers arrived - Elvis on Horseback, the peanut butter stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, and the Pork Fritters. As mentioned, the fritters tasted fine, but they were nearly cold and meant to be served piping hot. The stuffed dates were good, but really tiny. I'd had goat-cheese stuffed dates at Mojitos the night before and they were huge and utterly delicious. These left me saying "meh." So finally, at 9:45 p.m., we left. After one drink each and two appetizers. An hour and 45 minutes to get served what should have took 45 minutes tops at most places around town. The experience was so bad that despite the pretty setting and the friendly (albeit stressed to the max) waitress, that we won't be returning. The 21C Museum Hotel is literally across the street and the food is so much better and the setting is just as cool.
(1)Michael K.
I am reading all the past review.. and I am baffled at what everyone is saying, for the $$$ the food is OK, and service is POOR at best. Do not go here if you have any plans after dinner, as we sat at our table close to 3 hrs for average food. The restaurant atmosphere was great, but it does not cover up the bismal service and trend following menu that leaves your tastebuds disappointed. I am starting to loose faith in my fellow Louisvillians and their ability to truly rate restaurants that deserve a 3-5 star rating.
(1)Seema K.
3.5 stars really (but I rounded up to 4). I've been to St. Charles a few times and have generally enjoyed my experience. We went again this past weekend so this review is based mainly on that visit: 1. Great cocktails. I got the Autumn on Main, my husband got two other drinks (one was their take on the pisco sour) and all three were delicious. 2. Yummy appetizers - we shared the deviled eggs (you get 5 egg halves, all different flavors) and the panzanella. The eggs were great and unique (although I think we've had some tastier combos here in the past, but that's personal preference) and the panzanella was nice and light with arugula, balsamic vinaigrette, Stilton blue cheese, and cornbread -- yum! 3. The entree course was where things fell flat for me. I asked the waitress to tell me about 2 entrees on the menu -- she couldn't really tell me much about either as they were apparently new dishes. I get that a waiter may not know all the dishes inside and out, but it would have been nice if she could have offered to get some info on them. Regardless, I went with the ricotta dumplings, and I just can't imagine they came out the way they should have. The dumplings themselves were dense and dry, and pretty flavorless. The rest of the dish - sage cream, almonds, rapini, dried figs (!) -- were all great, but man, those dumplings. I guess "dumplings" can mean various things but again, based on what I've had here in the past, those must have been mistakes. My husband got the burger and said it hit the spot. 4. For dessert we shared the cinnamon creme brulee which was great -- nice rich chocolate with cinnamon you could taste quite well. Overall, it was a good experience. The only other odd thing was that our waitress disappeared for awhile at some point in the night, but the rest of the waitstaff was wonderful about checking on us, bringing out drinks and clearing the table. And the ambiance at the place is great. We'll certainly be back.
(4)Evan B.
St. Charles Exchange is the epitome of quality over quantity. I struggle coming up with something I would change about my dining experience. How I came to know this establishment was pure happenstance - I was working in the area and the GM came and greeted me. It was a cold day and she invited me in for a cup of coffee. Naturally, my eyes lingered to the fantastic bar - the vast array of bourbons, the antique architecture combined with the classic, pre-prohibition, atmosphere sold me. I had to return. So my wife and I did just that to celebrate her birthday (Happy birthday, babe!) We were promptly greeted and sat. Our waitress, Melissa, was superb. She was attentive, but not overbearing. She was very knowledgeable of the menu and various cocktails. To get started we ordered the root beer wings and two drinks - Bourbon Buck for my wife, and an Old Fashion for myself. This is one of many avenues in which St. Charles Exchange excels. Several bars claim to have "hand crafted" cocktails. But few take it as seriously as St. Charles Exchange. They keep the history and heritage of the drink in tact but use the freshest of ingredients. The juices are squeezed fresh, the syrups are made in-house daily. Easily the best Old Fashion I've ever had. Though it isn't on the menu, it's one of their more popular drinks. The nose and flavor were exquisite. Lean back, take a sip and you're ushered back into the 20's. The wings seemed somewhat out of place on their menu. They were good, but a little too sweet for my preference. That's to be expected. They were just as Melissa described. Although their menu isn't expansive we struggled on what to order - everything sounded amazing! I finally decided to go with the pork chop, my wife got the lamb burger. The pork chop was thick cut...I said THICK cut. The problem I have when I grill a chop this thick at home is it dries out. Not this one. It cut like butter and was amazingly juicy. Last bite just as delicious as the first. It was served with smoked gouda polenta and creamed spinach. The lamb burger was just as delicious and juicy. If you haven't had lamb before and are little leery about trying other "fancy" lamb dishes, check this one out. It was served with lamb fat fries - yes they're as good as they sound. We were offered two deserts and couldn't decide. So what's the American thing to do? Order both! Strawberry shortcake and Derby Pudding. The shortcake came in three small cakes topped with a strawberry jam, homemade whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Delicious and refreshing. The Derby Pudding, however, was rich and decadent. Homemade chocolate pudding is served in a baked pie crust topped with bourbon vanilla ice cream. The ice cream sets the dish apart from any desert I've had. So good. All in all, St. Charles exchange offers a classic atmosphere with historic cocktails, and a modern menu. Add in exceptional service and you have a truly pleasant and unique dining experience in Downtown Louisville.
(5)Glenn T.
A bourbon based rift on the old school/hipster conceit, yet an opportunity squandered. Squandered by the restaurant by failing to capitalize on location, space and concept. For a visitor from a smaller community with a narrower range of dining options, a squandered evening at table. Of the two, the latter is the more egregious. Local sourcing is a positive only if the result is a product of equal or exceptional quality. Otherwise, it's but a marketing gimmick. Such was the case with the 16 ounce strip steak, which failed to measure up to the quality of the well-known upscale prime steak house chains or, surprisingly, to some of the better family dining steak restaurants. Preparation was a disappointment. Overcooked, pre-sliced, accelerating it's already begun slide to room temperature. While price can on occasion be a concern, value always is. The St. Charles Exchange tariff was greater than the above mentioned prime chains, thus the value lower. The ubiquitous brussels and bacon combination was perfunctory at best. The roasted new potatoes, while neither new or well roasted, did nicely balance out the presentation. A slice of flavored butter was so cold that a thin layer of ice required the hearty whack of a knife for access. The chocolate mousse was good, giving it pride of place as the highlight of the meal. Overall, the quality of ingredients and preparation was that of a midrange hotel banquet event. Service was friendly but sporadic, on the outside edge of timely. No bread offered, no appetizers explained. Specials required inquiry. Cocktails were a different matter with the Soma take-off on a Manhattan exceptional. The signature Old Fashion was an Old Fashion. All in all, a good choice for a drink before dinner but a pedestrian choice for dinner following a drink. I you've but one night for dinner during a Louisville visit, expand your horizon.
(2)Dan G.
Bar review We were in town about a year ago and we looked through the windows one night walking back to the 21C. It looked really nice. It turned out to be a beautiful place. We stopped in for some drinks over the weekend and sat at the bar. My wife had a glass of wine and I chose the Four Roses KBG from their selection of 66 bourbons. Yep, 66. Loved the bourbon that I called and enjoyed the vibe. I'll certainly be back the next time in the Ville and maybe grab some food.
(4)Alex R.
Service - uninspired and unnerving Food - reads better than it tastes Drinks and flights - great Generally overpriced High expectations from menu and ambiance that didn't deliver. I'll go across the street to PROOF.
(2)Dan A.
Great atmosphere. Casual with a high end feel. They had a nice size menu although their main courses seemed to be in the wrong season. We were a party of four and three of our entrees were very heavy, rustic and would have been perfect accompanied by a big glass of red and a wool sweater. Not in May. With that being said I ordered the Eel and it was outstanding! It was with avicoto and citrus mix that was on point 100%. Everyone else couldn't keep their forks out of my business. I would love to go back but not if the menu contains fall dishes.
(3)Matt Z.
Started off with deviled eggs and Elvis apps. Eggs were ok. The Elvis was very solid and different. My wife had the burger which was delicious. I went with the pork chop and it was very tasty. Very impressed with this place and would highly recommend to others looking to try something new.
(4)Sarah W.
I think the bar would probably warrant 5 stars if you were just coming for cocktails. Usually, I drink bourbon. I mix it with water. Or melty ice. But when in Rome... how about you throw in some grapefruit syrup and bitters? The cocktails are delicious. You can't recreate them at home. You can't pick out all 19 of the flavors involved, but the 4 you recognize are pretty damn good. So go with it. Order something that sounds good, because it probably is. Or just have the bartender make you something, because that'll be even better. I think the restaurant was closer to 3 stars. Maybe 3 and a half. They are definitely getting a courtesy bump for the cocktails. The service was good - the right balance of attentive without being disruptive. And the space is lovely (although the mirror along the banquette was a little disconcerting. I'm not sure how I feel about watching myself eat). But at the end of the day it is about what's on your plate. Elvis on Horseback lived up to the hype. The entrees were good, but not great. The duck was cooked well, but for as inventive and complex as the cocktail flavors are, the sauce wasn't too far from your basic barbecue sauce. After all of the exclamation points with the drinks and starters, the main meal was punctuated a little less enthusiastically. But overall, 4 stars. I am, indeed, a fan.
(4)Benjamin M.
If you're looking for a really neat dinner experience in Louisville, St. Charles Exchange should be at the top of your list. Relatively new to the West Main Street District, the restaurant has already developed a local following. The interior is impressive; they've converted an old building into a restaurant reminiscent of a 1920s hotel lobby bar. The windows, mirrors, big clock above the bar, leather seats, dim lights--everything adds something special to the atmosphere. Maybe this is really nerdy/weird, but the hardwood floors are particularly awesome. I ordered the NY Strip (the online menu says filet--but that has changed), and it was top-notch. We also had the smoked chicken wings as an appetizer, and I finished dinner with the apple strudel. All of the food was excellent. The servers wear 1920s style clothing which is cool, too. Service was decent but not outstanding.
(4)Nick M.
Amazing bar, pretty laid back with some nice live jazz. Great way to kick off the evening.
(5)Jonathan S.
After my last review, I received a message from the management staff apologizing for the poor service and offering an opportunity for a complementary visit. After consideration, I decided to accept their offer. I arrived on a Saturday night around 6 pm. This time the service was prompt, and we were seated in the dining area. The atmosphere is very classic, reminiscent of a 19th century dining establishment. The food was superb; the highlight of the meal was the lemon tart, served with an accompaniment of pickled blueberries. By itself the sweet and sour tastes of the pickling and fruit would seem off-putting, but combined with the lemon it made for a surprisingly delightful and nuanced taste. The prices are high, but then again, they are on par with most other high-caliber restaurants in the downtown and NuLu areas.
(5)Victor R.
Honestly, I am wildly surprised at the number of positive reviews on S.T.E. I was also excited about it, and dined as part of a foursome Saturday night. Here are some of the tasting notes from our table: "Swordfish tastes microwaved." "Potatoes taste like boiled water." "Someone spilled a whole jar of truffle oil in the deviled eggs." Two of us ordered the lamburgers, which were both overcooked. Yam croquette (came with the duck) was burned beyond recognition. Drinks are wildly overpriced and underwhelming; you are paying for the hipster bartender (er, sorry, mixologist). Service is slow and uncoordinated. It was a 2.5 hour meal, during which a server spilled a glass of water on me. On the plus side, the restaurant itself is beautiful.
(1)Melanie K.
Please Exchange this restaurant for a Bar experience. I had high hopes for St. Charles, in fact I still do, so let me list the strengths of this location: 1. Location right off main street across from 21c 2. Hand crafted cocktails still the best old fashioned in the city 3. Atmosphere as it feels like an open to the public speak easy 4. Small Plates are done perfectly in portion and taste 5. Outdoor patio is great for large crowds, private parties, and wonderful shaded summer afternoons. Now let me explain how all of these strengths have still downgraded this restaurant to two stars by pointing out why I am taking away each star: 1. Service, if you want me to pay high end prices then you always over staff. I have dinned Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner and there are always never enough staff. Instead I wait and wait and wait. I don't mean waiting for my drinks I mean waiting for service. 2. Price point is ridiculous for food. How can you have a $15 set price brunch and then bring me a drink menu with $15 cocktails? You have a price dependency with the food. I have a $20 cheese plate across the street and I get 5 cheeses, fruit, plenty of bread, and hand crafted sauces. I have a $18 meat plate at St. Charles and I get thin sliced salami, Grey Poupon mustard in a ramekin, and 3 slices of french baguette. The large plates do not merit the price that is being charged, nor are the larger plates as unique and flavorful. 3. The kitchen, as in my reference earlier the kitchen is just not as strong as the bar experience. My drink is perfect every time, my Wagoo Burger and Brunch steak are never cooked to temp and for the prices you expect me to pay I want everything VIP perfect. In Summary, you will always get a five star bar experience, but you will never be satisfied that you got the value in your meal. My suggestion, ditch the kitchen and make St. Charles THE bar experience in town.
(2)Jovan M.
This is what white table dining is about - great food, great drink, and top notch service. Courses are well paced and the meal is not hurried. Recommendations for food and wine pairings are on the spot. The ambiance of a historic building is accentuated and complimented by the decor and staff. Very enjoyable experience.
(5)Amy P.
Wonderful craft drinks and a unique but delicious menu. Highly recommend!
(4)Sean J.
Atmosphere - very classy, lounge-like even. Good music, good lighting, and great decor. Service - fantastic. I spilled a drink, and it was immediately replaced. I accidentally (stupid me) bought a $60 glass of scotch, and the waiter was nice enough to give me a discount. I insisted I pay for it because it was my own fault. Drinks - great cocktails. Con = No scotch menu, and only port available. Food - Great. The mussels were awesome, the scallops were great, and the grits were perfect. The dessert was also great ( I can't recall what....something chocolate). I highly recommend if you can afford it.
(4)Scott P.
3.5 STARS - Love the drink menu and the location of the restaurant. The decor and the ambiance is fantastic. Wonderful night with friends and fun, however the food is a little pricey for the quality. I am impressed with the opportunity on the menu, but not sure the menu matches the quality of what comes out. The bar menu and appetizers are AMAZING, but the dinner menu just doesn't seem as good. There is Good food, just not great! But still a great place to start or end a long night in my opinion.
(3)Lee F.
The disappointment I experienced here was nearly unparalleled in my years of fine dining all over the world. My friend and I made a reservation for Wednesday, evening (10/1/14) and arrived early to enjoy drinks at the bar beforehand. We had looked forward to a special evening and dressed for a lovely evening out. Our bartender acted as if we were an inconvenience, making no effort to make us feel welcomed and well served. Still looking forward to a better chapter to the evening, we were seated at our table only to find we would continue to be let down by both inept service and overcooked salmon. Our waiter could not answer our questions about the wine selections. We had to ask if there was a reserve list. When he brought the bottle of wine, he dashed off leaving the wine unopened along with a written critique of the selection. My friend got up to seek someone to open the bottle. There are many great restaurants in Louisville, skip this one.
(1)Jeremy E.
Best meal I have had in Louisville. Great atmosphere. Great food. Great drinks. Why the 2 stars you ask? They are lucky I didn't give them 1 but I didn't want to be unfair. Service was just ok overall, which I can usually get over. We had ordered drinks from our server who was a pleasant gal. Another guy server was bringing over our bar drinks 10 minutes later, and apparently our server marked our seat numbers down wrong, although we didn't figure that out until their public fight. He dropped a drink down to the wrong person, and we told him it was down at the other end of the table. He then started spewing obscenities at our table and took the rest of the drinks on the tray and set them back on the edge of the bar. We had zero idea if he was mad at us, or someone else. So we had 1 guy out of 11 who had his martini, and everyone else was looking at their drinks 5 feet away while the guy server stormed off and had an audible shouting match with our server in the kitchen. Yeah, it was another 5 minutes before we got our drinks again. Look man, I get it. She screwed up, but don't show your ass an make yourself look like a dick and a fool by punishing the people who ultimately pay your rent. We had no idea there was a problem until you started dropping F bombs and stormed off. Be professional, especially for an upscale joint. I honestly don't know if I will go back. Great food is a draw, but hardly exclusive to the St Charles Exchange in Louisville.
(2)Heather H.
This place has a lot of good things to offer, namely great food in a beautiful restaurant and for a very reasonable price. When I needed to plan my BFF's bachelorette party in Louisville, I immediately took to Yelp! to find a cool restaurant close to the Seelbach. Enter St. Charles Exchange. I made a reservation for 15 and everyone at the restaurant was very helpful in setting it up over the phone and through emails. We arrived and were immediately seated at our table. Love that we did not even need to wait for the entire party to be seated. Service was a little chaotic, which was suprising since the place was nearly empty save our table. Overall, it was a great experience. The Elvis on Horseback are a must order for appetizers. I wasn't super impressed with the Meat and Cheese platter, but Vegas really does charcuterie plates right, so I have admittedly high standards. Although the menu is small, there are some really interesting choices and don't be afraid. I had the lamb burger for my entree and loved it! The fries are thick, crispy and delicious. I stuck to beer since I was trying to wrangle this party train, but everyone who tried a signature cocktail raved about it. All in all, I would definitely recommend checking out St. Charles Exchange if you are looking for a sexy bar and interesting, reasonably priced food.
(4)Thao T.
The mile high ceilings, the huge windows with flowing drapes, the leather seats, the old style bar and the waiters in suspenders conjure an image of a fancy speakeasy of the 1920s. Beautiful establishment that's perfect to show off to your out of town guests. I only had lunch there once so I can only review the three items I had. The smoky tomato soup was definitely smoky but I like the creamier version of this soup at the Butterfly Garden on Bardstown and everywhere else. Except those won't come with the fancy salty blue cheese in the middle and a fried green herb leave. The forest mushroom French dip would be so much better if the caramelized onion and mushrooms were not so lip puckering sour. The sauce also needed a little more seasoning and salt. I enjoyed the thick duck fat fries and I really had the best pickled cucumber here. My companions enjoyed their meals of salad, sliders, and fried shrimps po boy. The foods here are definitely more gourmet looking and you pay for that too. Will come back to give it another try.
(3)Amber S.
I am impressed. Our menu consisted of: The deviled eggs (each egg tasted differently and oh-so-delicious) The dates (wrapped in bacon and drizzles with a spicy peanut butter sauce) Swordfish (my first time and it is a must) Duck (cooked med, and also my first time) Old Fashion (spicy and yummy) Bread Pudding cake (cannot recall the exact) Everything was superb, and I will gladly go back. Great date place.
(5)JL Q.
I went here for a very special occasion and even though our server did what he could, my experience wasn't a good one. My appetizer, fried oysters, was presented about medium temperature, not hot. My sandwich, the patty melt, wasn't at all hot. In fact, the cheese wasn't melted. I sent it back and a new lunch came out. Since its basically a hamburger on bread, you'd think there would be some kind of seasoning but it was the most bland tasting patty melt on record. Even salt and pepper didn't help it, which I had to ask for because no table had shakers on them. Funny, but the items ordered by the people in my party were fine. My niece ordered something that our server returned to say was not available. REALLY? At 12 noon, something isn't already available? Ok, whatever. I can easily say I will never return to this place and hope that anyone reading this has better luck than I had.
(1)K K.
Loved it here! Beautiful bar & decor. Outdoor patio more casual but great too. Food was delicious and very interesting. Had Elvis on Horseback (dates wrapped with bacon and stuffed with peanut butter), flight of deviled eggs, and fried Cornish hen with watermelon & blue cheese....very interesting flavors together. Mixology was some of the best we've experienced. Peanut butter infused bourbon...great! Our server Dean was fabulous. Loved it so much we tried to bring a group back 2 days later but they were closed on Sunday. Will definitely return!
(5)Chris B.
Been here several times. Best drinks in town and best interiors of any restaurant in Louisville. Food is simple but good.
(5)Nik H.
I have been here for drinks a few times. Never eaten here, but I plan on doing so very soon. This place has the best old fashioned in the city of Louisville. They also have a lot of other cool drinks. Some used to be popular and are making a comeback. Others they have added their own little variation and improved on them significantly. Definitely check them out if you're tired of drinking the same boring drinks all the time. The waiters/bartenders I've had were really honest about whether a drink is good or not, too. They will steer you in the right direction if you ask them. And if you're interested in bourbon, which if you're from Kentucky you probably are, their list is pretty extensive.
(5)Ashley D.
I went here to split a bottle of wine with a friend. There weren't a lot of people there, so maybe the staff was bored. They were constantly hovering around our table. It felt like they wanted to sit there with us. I liked the atmosphere and the menu looks great, but I prefer to not be smothered when I go out to eat. I know they were just being helpful, but we told them several times we didn't want food, just wine and that we didn't need anything else and were still asked several more times.
(3)Benjamin R.
We had a really good meal here across the board. The best part was the Elvis on Horseback appetizer
(4)Morgan H.
I can't give a full five stars because I only had a cocktail here; I'm sure they earn all five. The "storefront" and the interior of the restaurant are both beautiful. While sitting at the bar having the Bourbon Buck, Circa 1916, I felt like I was in a speakeasy. TONS of spirits to chose from. My bar tender was really nice, didn't get his name but he had a mustache that was similar to a handlebar. Real authentic. lol When in Kentucky, this is definitely a destination to hang out and have great drinks with friendly service.
(4)Katie W.
I only went there for cocktails, but WOW were they delicious. The Manhattan was super smooth, and the Kentucky Cup was tasty. The bartender was really cool and talked with us about the cocktail list while he spent probably 5 minutes carefully crafting our drinks. Will definitely be back to try out the food.
(5)Lauren T.
great cocktails!
(4)Jordan M.
If there was a three and a half star rating, that's where I'd put St. Charles. I've done lunch a few times and haven't been disappointed, the lunch menu has a reasonable amount of options at very reasonable prices , the service is good and responsive, and the food is certainly above average. I really like what they have done with the space too; they have definitely worked on decor since opening. Their drink prices are a bit on the high end, but you should be on notice based on the decor and they're not extremely high.
(4)Danielle W.
New2Lou hosted this event (check them out on Facebook or MeetUp to see what these events are all about!) that gave me an excellent excuse to head out on a weeknight for some great company. They have a patio behind the restaurant and two floors of seating at this downtown location which makes for a unique option in this neighborhood. The style is pre-prohibition style cocktails that makes for a great networking and romancing environment. You have to have a conversation with the bartenders. They really know their stuff. Tell them what you like and ask for their suggestion. Then take their suggestion! If they get it wrong they're better than Starbucks at fixing it. They'll watch you take your first drink and judge from there. They also taste your drink before they give it to you. True mixologists. These are the first I've encountered since coming to Louisville (the first and only true chemists of concoctions I had met like this before was in Lexington at Table 310) and I was impressed. They also have these nifty ice balls that have decreased surface area in order to keep your drink cool while not melting down and diluting the piqued flavors. I didn't have a chance to sample the food but there were some bacon-wrapped delicacies on the menu that struck my fancy so that the next time I return I'll have to give it a whirl. Professional staff, excellent networking event hosts, clean restrooms, lovely atmosphere and ample street parking. Add all that up and you get 5 shiny stars.
(5)Rachel F.
Glad to say this has gone up to a 4-star for me. Maybe it was just a fluke on the cocktails I tried last time, because the Diablo (pink and pretty, but potent) and the Old-Fashioned were solid. The cocktails are exactly that, proper cocktails, so if it is slammed at the bar don't expect to get one in any sort of hurry. Frustrating but kind of part of it! The manager and owner were both very visible and concerned with their customers' well-being, which I have a lot of respect for - especially in a new establishment. Next time, I'll brave the Cowboy drink that sounds pretty out there :)
(4)Mike G.
Great choice in historic Louisville. The manager offered us tastes of a variety of Bourbons and we are now fans. Highly recommended.
(4)Wayne O.
We loved everything! Service was great. Food was fabulous! Atmosphere very cheery and friendly! Will go back for sure!
(5)R M.
Fantastic addition to Louisville. The cocktails are amazing and properly made with attention to every last detail. I think saying it brings new life into the classic cocktails is an understatement. The staff is attentive, courteous and everything you could imagine for a fine dining experience. The food is superb! Again, the attention to flavors, seasonings and detail are not forgotten in what surely is a memorable meal. The deviled eggs are an amazing twist on a summer staple. These are not your grandma's eggs! They are raised to a level that will please even the most sophisticated of palates! For my entree I had scallops that were cooked to perfection! I can assure you I will be going back! The GM is very polite and said hello personally to our table (and most around the restaurant) - which I felt just describes this place and why it is so successful. No detail is left unattended. We even had a little preview of an outdoor space they anticipate using in the future. I am already planning my return visit to St. Charles Exchange! Again, it is an amazing new addition to the Louisville downtown.
(5)Heather K.
Creative food and drinks that generally meet expectations. The interior design of the space and the quality of the service are worthy of 5 stars. I need to eat here a couple of more times to give the food 5 stars. That being said, I would eat at St. Charles Exchange again and take out of town guests here.
(4)Mindy A.
Worst fine-dining experience ever. Seriously. I get that it's Derby. I get that it's the craziest time of year in Louisville - but for what we paid, the level of service was beyond ridiculous. Reservation was made 3 months in advance - party of 8 - birthday / derby celebration. When making the reservation, I confirmed that they would be able to accommodate dietary restrictions with their limited menu. I was assured they would be able to, no problem - so, went ahead and kept the reservation. Upon getting ready to place our first order - our waiter told us 'I just checked with the kitchen and we won't be able to make anything for you (w/ dietary restriction)'. At this point I asked for a manager and she assured us that it was not a problem. Everything pretty much went downhill from there -- no silverware (on several occasions), every plate was set down in front of the wrong person EVERY TIME, orders were prepared incorrectly. When the waiter promised to check on something, we never heard back. When we asked how many drinks the punchbowl served he first answered, '60', then, 'no, wait - 40'. Then he left, came back and told us it was actually '10 drinks'. We got 40 drinks out of it. We would have ordered the smaller size if we would have known that much was in there!! To add salt to the wound of this terrible dining experience - we had to pay $100 per person (prix-fixe menu), plus drinks, PLUS an AUTOMATIC 20% GRATUITY. Under normal circumstances this would have been fine - but I'm shocked that after all of the glaring errors, we were not offered any concessions. The food, that we did get that was correct, was delicious. That's where the 2 stars come from. Not enough for us to ever set food in this place again.
(2)Kellyo O.
Went with two other girlfriends as we were out bar hopping and trying out some places that have been on our short lists but we hadn't been able to get to until now. We were very impressed with the cocktails! Our bartender was a sweet and strange bird and I liked her. I ordered the Diablo and it was OUT OF THIS WORLD good. Usually by your third cocktail you start to slip on knowing the difference between a really great cocktail and just another round but oh boy could I tell. This was something special! One of my girlfriends had the Bee's Knees which was fabulous as well. The other friend had the Jet Pilot. Also wonderful. I am a fan of the libations but my golly have the prices gone up in the last few years on cocktails in this town. (No, I don't get out much!) We also ordered the deviled egg platter to split as we had already eaten but had heard they were wonderful and wanted to try them. Meh... not so much. The egg whites (or colored whites) were rubbery and the eggs themselves were tiny. They also looked nothing like the pretty picture on their website menu. Ours came out on a plain white dish with no garnish on the dish or the egg. Oh well. Maybe that was from sitting at the bar and ordering food?? I definitely would NOT order them. Totally not worth it. We didn't even finish them that's how much we were not impressed. (And believe me, we don't leave food!) All in all though, we think it is a 4 - star for the cocktails themselves. Gotta love a delicious and STRONG drink to end the day!
(4)Elizabeth B.
This place is good. The drinks are strong, the atmosphere is very cool and I am really excited about the outdoor area that is in the works. Once that outdoor area is finshed I might have to up my start rating. The prices are high, but the drinks are well crafted so it is worth it. A great spot for a happy hour after work or a drink or two to get the night started. Not somewhere to hang all night, but a very similar feeling to Meat but without the free snacks and more light. I'm going to go again and will keep you posted on how my opinion changes on my second visit with a outside area! (fingers crossed)
(3)Tiffany M.
I like this place. If you could hear the way my voice goes up at the end of the sentence, you would know what I mean. Like, I like this place? I do. I really do. It's a nice bar. Every drink I've had has been outstanding. I've only eaten here once, but from what I've tried the food is top notch. I've had fun-filled nights here with friends. That being said, there is just this air of pretentiousness that just bothers me. It kind of makes me feel like I'd rather take my business elsewhere. I'm sure I'll go back again but there is always that nagging feeling that I shouldn't.
(3)Lauren B.
I tried St. Charles Exchange for the first time this week for lunch. It was DELICIOUS! I can't say enough about this place. To start, the building is beautiful. I love that its been restored...and fits perfectly for this restaurant. We started with the deviled eggs (YUM!), the dates (YUM! Even though the description sounds interesting, you should definitely try them) and the mussles (also YUM!, even though its not something I would normally try - I did and was impressed). I had the Kentucky Hot Brown Monte Cristo for lunch. It was amazing - I would absolutely recommend it. Others at the table had the Lamb burger on english muffin, the Po Boy of the day, and the sliders. Everyone was more than impressed with what they had. I will definitely be going back for dinner!
(5)Suzanne G.
Oh this place has so much character and provides a welcome break to the same hum drum dinner and drinks experience! My first thought after arriving was "This would be a great place for a theme date in flapper attire!" But hey that's me. If you appreciate the rich history of the prohibition-era talk easy, great old fashion drinks crafted by hand and being surrounded in a good mix of people with great lighting and delicious food- give it a try!
(4)M E.
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(3)Anthony C.
Having sent folks visiting Philly to their sister spot there I was anxious to try the Louisville outpost. Was not disappointed. Ate at the bar and was impressed by the Bartenders ability to both make good drinks while also keeps a fair distance to allow conversation amongst the party. Great food I dont remember all the details of the meal as it was part of a solid week of dining out but I was more than pleased with the atmosphere and the quality and consistency of the menu. Highly recommended. Not quite the speakeasy vibe but also not as accesible as other spots downtown.
(4)Peter J.
Outstanding food and service not to mention a great specialty bar.
(5)Sam S.
The food is great! The wait staff and managers are helpful and friendly. And most importantly the drinks are thirst quenching, unique and fun.
(5)Melissa W.
Great bar and drinks!
(4)Jaz R.
Best cocktails in town.
(4)Colette W.
My husband and I were visiting Louisville for Thunder and stayed at 21 C Museum Hotel. We decided to try the place across the street and were not disappointed. St. Charles Exchange is BEAUTIFUL, the service was OUTSTANDING and our meals were DELICIOUS!
(5)Jason B.
Great cocktails! Smoked chicken wings app was amazing. Well trained and attentive service. I'll go back and eat dinner when I get the chance, a unique place that fits Louisville well.
(4)