Proof on MainTerrificI only had lunch but can't wait to go back and eat dinner here!5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMGreatWe had a wonderful night with a great server and food. We were even seated next to a large party of prom kids and it was still wonderful.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMfood lives up to its reputationThe food at Proof was delicious and creatively prepared. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. It had a pretty lively feeling as well...5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMProof has the best drinksProof has the best drinks in town from their ice old martinis with creamy bleu cheese olives that melt in your mouth, to an extensive & impressive bourbon list. Their food is so special. Who would've thought a chocolate tort with black peppercorn gelato wolfs be so heavenly? The only thing that's better is their expert & attentive service! Can't wait to return.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMDon't come too hungry!I ordered the scallops, and they were delicious, but I was sorely disappointed that I only had three scallops and what appeared to be one asparagus cut into four pieces. My husband ordered the bison burger and it was a very hearty portion and came with truffled fries that were delicious (I sampled a few). I am not saying I wouldn't eat there again...I would just make sure I ordered something different. The service and atmosphere were great!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMThe PROOF is in the EatingMy guest for lunch on May 18,2013, lives in Texas and she and I agreed that the food was excellent, the service superb, and the wine suggestion was perfect. This place has so much to offer with the Museum and the restaurant. Whether you live in Louisville or are just passing through, make the Proof number one on your "must do" list.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMA unique menu and ambienceA unique menu and ambience which made for a great dinning experience. Food was great.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMMay 17thOverall very good dining experience although not really a locally sourced food restaurant. The Bison burger is huge!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Lunch Before The RacesMy sister and I were headed to Churchill Downs and wanted to find a place to have lunch. Some friends of my sister had stayed at the Hotel21c and enjoyed it so we decided to goto Proof on Main for lunch. The restaurant is beautiful and has a very modern vibe. The menu had several tempting choices, we choose the Sunchoke Soup, Spinach Salad and Ricotta Gnocci. All were delicious and just right for a lunch. Our server was very helpful and answered all our questions which helped us make our choices. I'd go back anytime were in the Louisville area. It was a fun and new dining experience.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Old CootVery, very nice. Our waiter, Edward, was SUPER. Salmon and scallops WONDERFUL! Greens out of this world!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner with artwork on the sideGreat service, convenient location with street and valet parking. Upscale casual.
Nice, open-feel to the bar located in a room to the side of the main dining room. Lively but quiet enough for conversation. High tables, cushioned areas and bar seating.
Dining rooms have the feel of dining in a contemporary art museum with wall art and pieces hanging from the ceiling. Currently, huge framed photos hang on the walls while gulls "fly" overhead. (Take time to look at the changing art installations en route to the restrooms as well.)
The food is always creative and good. Kitchen will accommodate minor changes to menu such as omitting the bacon in the ricotta cheese spread starter (I don't eat pork). Menu has meat, fish & vegetarian items.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMA Beautiful BlissProof on Main is beautiful and delicious. The atmosphere was both upbeat and relaxing. The staff was very attentive and very friendly. The Mother's Day Brunch was extraordinary and my mother was very pleased. I am thankful that Proof offered later Brunch hours to accommodate those who attend church and cannot arrive until 2pm. The food was amazing!!!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWe really enjoyed Proof. GreatWe really enjoyed Proof. Great food and service. Art work is fun to view as well.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything from appetizersEverything from appetizers to desert was delicious and well-presented. The atmosphere is fun and the service was attentive but not intrusive. All-in-all, we had a great meal.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunch after DerbyWe had brunch after the Derby, great way to top off the weekend! Plan to do it again next year!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AM5-Star WinnerAn absolutely perfect experience! I had breakfast here on Derby day, and the food & service were above and beyond. It's associated with the 21 C Museum, so the whole place has an exciting yet sophisticated decor. Our waitress was really cute and friendly, the food was OUT OF THIS WORLD! I recommend Proof on Main to all comers, for all meals anytime. You will remember this place for all the right reasons!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Proof was in the Grilled CheeseImagine a party of 12 arriving for brunch
on Derby Day in the rain!! Sounds like
one might expect chaos, but, instead, the
Derby Dozen find themselves strolling through
rooms of contemporary art--characterized
by quirky humor. Then, the Dozen enter
Proof, to be immediately seated and promptly
treated to warm bread, delicious cocktails,
and an eclectic menu, ranging from sandwiches
of fried bologna...to grilled cheese...to bison beef!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMDine with ArtWe went to Proof on a recommendation from a friend, and we were all pleasantly surprised at how good the food was. Our server was fantastic and the artwork made for very interesting conversation and a fun stroll around the museum after brunch. What a truly unique dining experience and a great place for us to have a relaxIng afternoon. Everyone's food was delicious and the presentation was very nice. Next time I come back to Louisville, I plan to stay at the hotel as well.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Date Night for Art LoversTheir drink menu is extensive but sophisticated. It ranges from a list of interesting cocktails invented in-house, to bourbon flats, to bottles or glasses of wines from around the globe of all prices including some rather pricey options. No beer on tape though. The food options ranged from gastronomy to home style. For appetizers, my husband enjoyed the most delicious bowl of cheese grits while I experience a chilled mackerel soup with orange, pine nuts, and olive oil. It was an adventure. The server was on it and was completely perfect in everything he did. The ambiance was well lit and stimulating. Diners were dressed casually but fashionably. Must see the museum.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous ExperienceWe had been wanting to go for quite some time now and were finally able to work a reservation into our schedule. We had a FABULOUS EXPERIENCE of inventive and elegant presentations of incredibly fresh food and drinks. The manager stopped by to speak with us, and see how things were, and we had a terrific conversation with her. She was engaging and warm, making us feel even more welcome.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMA great surprise menu withA great surprise menu with "just enough" variety for everyone desiring small plates, red meat, seafood, white meat, gluten free, or adventurous, ie bison, octopus.
Excellent wait staff... only shows when they sense you need them.
Outstanding restaurant , could prosper and compete in New Orleans, Atlanta,Charleston.... and that is meant to be a super compliment.
Bourbon flights are wonderful treat.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat food great drinksFood was great with a great bar staff. they did hold out on the pappy until my 3rd visit.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Louisville FindOutstanding bar, restaurant surrounded by an art museum and 21c hotel . Really great experience , attentive server, great special dishes and a vibrant bar scene. We'll be back4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat dinner, penguins includedProof is located in the 21st Century Museum Hotel on Main Street in Louisville - just look for the red penguins on the front of the building. It's an easy walk to both the Kentucky Center and the KFC Yum Arena which makes it a good choice for dinner before your event. The food is eclectic and very well-prepared. Pacing is just right, although, if you're in a hurry, this may not be the place for you. I'm a picky eater but I did just fine negotiating the menu. I was able to substitute the starch and greens for asparagus and heirloom carrots which were perfect with my fish. The restaurant is bright and airy and, occasionally, a penguin makes it's way to your table for a visit. Seriously!4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, imaginativeExcellent food, imaginative cocktails, and a wonderful place for art and people-watching!4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat placeWonderful food and service. Was my wife's birthday and was well worth the drive downtown. The prices were as expected for a fine dining establishment with the exception of the wine, which was very pricey! I had the burger and it was awesome and my wife's salmon was fabulous. I put the Jezebel sauce on my salad - delicious and innovative. We will return with friends.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was probably our bestThis was probably our best meal there to date. Everything was essentially perfect. Our very sophisticated out-of-town guests were blown away. My only complaint is the noise level. It seems to be a little better, maybe, but it is still pretty high, making conservation difficult. This is not unique to Proof, of course. Lots of places are like that these days, but particularly in a high-end, expensive place, I want to be able to converse with my dinner companions easily. Otherwise a great experience.
If noise bugs you, go early.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were celebrating a friend'sWe were celebrating a friend's birthday. We started in the bar with a very informative and friendly server. The drinks were tasty and potent--and our table was ready as our appetizer was ready. The tranistion to our table was seamless. We had a wonderful server in the restaurant--just the right balance of attentative and not bothersome. He answered questions, offered suggestions and took very good care of us. The staff made it a special and memorable occasion for our friend's celebration. We enjoyed the food, the service and the very unique atmosphere--museum/gallery. Would highly recommend a visit. We are very excited to see 21C coming to our hometown, Lexington, KY.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Arts Abound at Proof on MainI love Proof on Main because it combines great farm to table cuisine, with a great wine list and a spectacular setting of art and culture within the dining space. The attached modern art museum is also part of experience not to be missed. The plates are works of art as well, both visually and on the pallet. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, which has a renown restaurant scene, and Proof on Main would be among the best in my area as well. Whenever I travel to Louisville, and I hope it is often, I will stop at Proof on Main!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways excellent1Proof on Main never disappoints! Service is always friendly, the food is amazing, and I tell all my friends to go there when in Louisville. I like the limited menu, which means the chef focuses on a select number of dishes, made to perfection.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWhen we first looked at theWhen we first looked at the menu outside, my husband was having second thoughts about our reservation, because he wasn't sure he saw anything that enticed him. Boy, was he glad he didn't change his mind! The food was phenomenal! The service was spot on, and our water glasses never hit the bottom. I am not from the area, but if I am ever in Louisville in the future, I would revisit Proof on Main...4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a treatMy sweetie and I found this gem while vising Louisville on our travels home to Manitoba. Staying at the local Galt Hotel, it was a short walk in the cool night air. Upon arrival we were excited to see very interesting art decorating the restaurant. We were later to discover that the attached boutique hotel has a gallery that is open 24 hours and some of the installations are featured in the restaurant. Our table was cozy, the service friendly, helpful and always on point. Our choices were all perfectly seasoned, portioned and presented. After our lovely meal, we headed into the gallery (with libation in hand) and wandered for almost an hour. Great diversity of offerings and just an overall treat. A highlight of our trip.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food for our Easter BrunchThe food for our Easter Brunch was excellent. The smoked salmon sandwich, omelette and slow poached eggs were all delicious. We ordered the Dutch Baby to come as an appetizer for the table to share before our entrees. It was delivered with our entrees. We ate our entrees while they were hot. The Dutch Baby suffered greatly by not being eaten when it was served. Our server delivered our check without asking if we desired coffee or dessert.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe don't need more proof thatWe don't need more proof that Proof on Main is the center of boffo art and culinary excellence than our recent Saturday evening. Adjacent were two art openings at the museum hotel. Under a swirling seagull sculpture at the restaurant gathered a flock of happy diners with nary a worry about trained servers or sumptuous food. While we savored the octopus appetizer, most of our neighbors seemed to be tackling the roasted bones. Entrees incorporating produce and bison from the owners' farm were memorable. The pastry chef didn't disappoint either. How lucky is Louisville to boast the Actors' Theater Festival AND a collection of adventurous restaurants that includes Proof!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMProof on Main was lovely inProof on Main was lovely in every way: the service, the decor, and the food. The tangerine upside down cake was out-of-this-world delicious. We will make many more trips to Louisville just to eat there again. Thanks to Open Table for facilitating the experience.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful place for dateA wonderful place for date night. The atmosphere is outstanding and the food was delicious.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMProof Needs Evidence of ExcellenceProof benefits exponentially as 21C's restaurant, since 21C is one of the hippest hotels in the US, if not the world. The ambiance is artistically, cutting edge, while the food is basically okay. The one iconically fantastic dish is the grilled octopus appetizer, which could win any cooking contest or competition. If it wasn't for the omnipresent garlic, I would eat the grilled octopus all day. Service is professional and engaging, but I do wish the cooking was more inventive to match the hotel's avant-garde design.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMAlmost....perfectTables are small.....great hotel lounge bar ..... All rich food makes it hard to appreciate courses.....forget the diet and try the in house made ice cream...awesome with interesting extra flavor s. No uniforms make it hard to find wait staff and a bit too casual for a high end resturant .3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is my favorite spot inThis is my favorite spot in Louisville. Highly recommend for many reasons. Great for out-of-towners.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMProof Restaurant providesProof Restaurant provides not only a feast for one's eyes but also a feast for the palate. We had truly an exceptional experience and enjoyed a meal that was a sum greater than its parts. The best recommendation we could provide.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMTerrific Charcuterie SelectionThe charcuterie is not to be missed and the short rib is terrific. We also enjoyed the panna cotta dip appetizer. As far as the cocktail list I loved the Brick & Ivy drink so much I had to get the recipe and the bartender was happy to write it down. The managers seem quality but the servers need further training. We had to stir our coffee with our fork. Presetting silverware prior to delivery is rarely done. Make sure you hold on to your fork.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMLouisville gemIf you want a gourmet dinner for an excellent price, this is the place to go in Louisville. The food is amazing, the bar scene is fun, and the artwork is incredible. If you're new to Louisville or just visiting, check this place out...you won't be disappointed!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMProof has always been oneProof has always been one of my favorites but the new chef has taken the food to an even higher level. It is very gluten-free friendly and the service was impeccable.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was Great Dinning there.It was Great Dinning there. I had a Party of four and we thought everything that we tasted was excellent.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular experienceOur experience at Proof on Main at the hot 21C was awesome from start to finish. With mirrors and artwork all around, every seat has a perfect view of the dining room, and people-watching is definitely part of the atmosphere. There's an extensive bar list, and drinks are generous. We started by sharing a plate of grilled octopus--delicious. We sopped up every drop of the garlicky sauce. Mmm. For entrees, my partner ordered the gnocchi which were feather-light and scrumptious. Highly recommended. I got the bison burger because it had been recommended to me. Wow. It was huge, succulent, and had that outdoor grilled taste. It came with a mound of fries cooked in duck fat which were spectacular. All in all, we can't wait to go back!3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent experience.....Excellent experience..... Would definitely return.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMA dinner to look forward to!Dinner at the Proof is always great. The food is consistently good. The mixed lettuces salad is very tasty, but light enough to leave me the appetite to enjoy the fabulous pork chop. The wine ( I can't remember the name, it was recommended by our server) was delicious.
We will definitely be back.3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMUnique experienceThe ambiance and art installations are worth more than five stars. Don't forget to visit the art galleries before leaving.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThe flavor of the food combinationsThe flavor of the food combinations where amazing apparent as you ate.
Smaller portions packed with flavor-totally incredible experience
Staff was very good and energetic.
Very nice evening3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMA unique dining experienceA unique dining experience embedded in Contemporary and Conceptual art, immersed in a wonderful wine, and of course a really fine menu! Added extra's include a bar menu for the adjoining bar and of course the ultimate in Gallery experiences the 21C Gallery accessible through the restaurant and always offering a stimulating, controversial and extensive art collection that rounds out the whole dining experience. Bravo!!!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AM