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  4. Louisville
  5. Downtown Louisville

J Graham's Cafe

4.7
4.7
955 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
J. Graham's is the home of the legendary Hot Brown and offers guests bistro-style, casual dining in the hotel and features the freshest local produce and highlights Kentucky products.

Serving breakfast and lunch, the Café offers guests a contemporary a la carte menu throughout the week and a delectable brunch buffet on the weekends.

Non-smoking.



Parking: Self Parking in the connected, city garage. Valet parking by the Brown Hotel staff.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 18 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Daily 7:00 am–2:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (502) 583-1234

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Private party facilities

    Private dining room available to accommodate up to 22 people comfortably.

  • Private party contact

    Agustin Sosa : (502) 583-1234 ext. 7069

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown Louisville

  • Cross street

    Parking: Self Parking in the connected, city garage. Valet Available

  • Parking details

    Self Parking in the connected, city garage. Valet parking available by the Brown Hotel staff.

  • Public transit

    On the corner of 4th and Broadway.

  • Additional

    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 955 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Central Kentucky

    Great for brunch

  • Central Kentucky

    Contemporary American

  • Louisville

    Great for brunch

  • Louisville

    Contemporary American

Sort by

  1. RandellM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful experience dining at J Graham's cafe. The service was outstanding, the food great, and the ambiance was tremendous!
  2. TheresaK

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great! Must have the hot brown, so good!
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience5
    We were celebrating a birthday and cannot tell you how disappointed we were. I had the buffet and the biscuit were as hard as rocks, the salads were very good, there were no eggs, the waffles were so-so, and the chicken was cold (we ate at Roosters today) and their chicken was a lot better. The deserts were tasteless. My friend had a large hot brown and said there was very little taste to the Mornay sauce and that it. Was mostly bread. We have been there several times with out of Townes and planned to bring visitors there in June but after yesterday I doubt that we will ever return. I hope this feedback is helpful, it isn’t meant to be nasty but just wanted you to know what our experience was. Way overpriced for the quality that we experienced.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kat was phenomenal! This was our 23rd wedding anniversary. They made the experience so special! Thank you!
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful breakfast. The food and staff were first rate. Enjoyed the entire experience
  6. ChristineG

    Louisville

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    My husband has raved about the Kentucky Hot Brown for years. While we live in Kentucky I had never had one and he had never had one from the Brown Hotel. On a whim I made us a reservation and we went. The service was pretty good, they weren't too busy for Sunday Brunch, which was nice. The seating was very comfortable. The coffee was so-so, it tasted a little burnt. We both ordered the smaller Hot Brown and the waitress told us to expect about a 20 - 25 min wait which was nice to know. My overall impression? The Mornay sauce was very good, but the turkey wasn't very good at all. It didn't taste fresh, it almost tasted like it had been canned. The bacon was perfect. My husband said he has had better. Did we have a good time? Yes. Will we go back? Probably not. Almost $50 for two small sandwiches, a coffee, and soft drink seemed steep. We also had to pay $12 in the garage next door for parking (apparently there was an event going on). If you go, try to find street parking nearby.
  7. Carrie

    Jacksonville

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience2
    Disappointing experience food wise, but the staff is fantastic! The Original Hot Brown was a goopy mess and lacked any flavor.
  8. RonB

    Columbus

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff was very attentive and the Hot Brown and Derby Pie were outstanding!
  9. life

    Louisville

    44 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Some of the hot dishes were only luke warm Asked for a Bellini and was brought a Pinot Grigio wine. Said they didn’t have Bellinis There were no dessert forks or spoons out Overpriced
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    8 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food3service3ambience3
    Mother’s Day 2023 We were seated in a room/table farthest away from the piano near the main air vent. When we asked to move, we were told they were unable to move us, but would give us blankets. Room was old and dirty where we sit. Food was very expensive for children. Buffet prices were not on open table for the Mother’s Day event. Line took 15+ minutes to get through anytime you wanted another serving. Steak was medium rare and kids unable to eat. When we told our waitress about the steak, she didn’t offer any assistance to get us more ask the chef. Spent over $270 bucks for 2 adults and 2 kids 7&5 yo. Overall disappointing.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Top notch service, excellent food and great atmosphere
  12. MichaelB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were very happy with our meal. The staff were knowledgeable about the great selection of beers and very helpful. Would definitely return when in the area.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Extremely friendly staff, great food, pretty decor
  14. terryp

    Little Rock

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came for the Hot Brown. Got the petite portion and was glad I did. It was elevated and prepared perfectly....
  15. Blue

    Detroit

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service and value in an incredible historical setting!
  16. OpenTable Diner

    West Virginia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The day after the Kentucky Derby, they seemed slightly understaffed. Otherwise, excellent!!
  17. vegas2

    Las Vegas

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Restaurant manager was delightful! Unfortunately they were understaffed. But her smile made up for it. Try the Hot Brown.
  18. PatriciaD

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely post derby brunch. Service attentive. Atmosphere was nostalgic, elegant and yet feeled with southern comfort.
  19. KittyM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We sat in the bar lounge and it was lovely. We could hear the piano in the background; terrific piano player, too. A great way to end our Derby weekend. Took a Brown to go, which was a mistake; I think this is something that should be eaten fresh. Only one overwhelmed waiter at first, then a bus-gal arrived an made it better.
  20. StephanieP

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I can’t say enough good about this place & the people who work there.
  21. StephanieP

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect. I’m typically not a fan of buffets but their brunch buffet was excellent. …. Pure southern hospitality
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent breakfast and the service was exceptional!!!
  23. PattiW

    Louisville

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Our waitress Kat was wonderful, she was very attentive to our every need. I was disappointed that the only thing you could order was the hot brown. I am vegetarian, so the chef made me a special vegetarian hot brown which I really did not like. Half of it was hollandaise sauce. The buffet was super expensive ($45). It looked lovely but so overpriced. It was KY Oaks Day and so it was very busy and understandable they limited the menu. I am not sure I will return for Oaks next year. I may try The Marriott.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great experience at this Louisville staple. And the hot Brown was delicious. Well worth it.
  25. MelanieC

    Louisville

    15 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    The quality of food choices are poor. It was overpriced and tasted like cafeteria food. The toast was the best part of the meal. The service was excellent! I believe they can offer a much tastier meal.
  26. jon5cts

    Los Angeles

    419 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    419 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    The service was pretty much the letdown for us, and I know for a fact that we had it better than other diners that were stuck with our server. They almost had to beg her to take orders or answer questions. It's cute and the food was good. Would definitely go back, but expectations will be lower next time.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the food and ambient! Great experience! Brunch was delicious!
  28. TerriC

    Louisville

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful atmosphere, service waitress, hostess Wonderful pleasant conversation
  29. JackieF

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Visiting Louisville you want to try the traditions ... the Hot Brown and the authentic Brown Hotel was a "must" on our list. The Hot Brown didn't disappoint! We each ordered "half portions" yet were still unable to eat the entire dish. Tender turkey like I wish we had on Thanksgiving... well nvm. The ambiance of the old hotel was charming, the brunch buffet looked incredible. The only knocks ... a plain cup of coffee was overpriced at $4.50 (free refills but yikes) and there were some pretty boisterous celebrants (no fault of the restaurant, but sheesh).
  30. JaneT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    First time eating in Cafe'. Thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Staff was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable or searched out when in doubt. Came for the Hot Brown, and although it was good, was not outstanding as I was expecting. I would still recommend, if you have never had Hot Brown from the J Graham Cafe,' you must try it, at least once, to say you have!
  31. MikeB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Perfect spot for a quite business meeting with 8 attendees.
  32. JimH

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was outstanding, A perfect way to start the Derby.
  33. SarahR

    Alabama

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a weekday breakfast and a weekend brunch at J. Graham’s. The service on both occasions was fabulous. I highly recommend the Sunday brunch. We had an 1115 reservation and it was geared a little more towards lunch which was fine with us. We also ordered a hot brown to split at the table and it is a must not miss item.
  34. Someonesteacher

    Louisville

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a must try stop if you're ever in Louisville! Especially for breakfast! The hot brown is to die for, plus then you can say you've had a hot brown at the place they were invented. Can't recommend this place enough!
  35. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Carlos was a great server who answered all of our food, bourbon and random questions we had about the area. Sue was also great and pointed us in the right food/drink selection direction as well. The Brown Hotel is a great place to explore after the hot brown and derby pie. Book your reservation for a hot brown ASAP! 😍😍
  36. LAZANDTAM

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to sit down and enjoy a meal while traveling by myself! Regina was a wonderful server and I tried the Hot Brown for the first time. It was amazing! I will return :-)
  37. CarlaW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was mind blowing and the staff was unbelievably nice. We loved it!
  38. KarenJ

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We really enjoyed our breakfast. We did not want the full brunch menu and was offered the a la carte menu which was great. The French toast was delicious.
  39. MarthaB

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were fabulous. The Hot Brown is always delicious! The complimentary Derby Pie was a pleasant surprise. My friends from Cincinnati were very impressed. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience.
  40. KarynA

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Classic restaurant with elegant ambience. Friendly staff.

FAQs

J Graham's Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (502) 583-1234.

J Graham's Cafe is rated 4.7 stars by 955 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 18 times today
Google Map for J Graham's Cafe

335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Parking: Self Parking in the connected, city garage. Valet Available

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown Louisville

  • Hours of operation

    Daily 7:00 am–2:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Self Parking in the connected, city garage. Valet parking available by the Brown Hotel staff.

  • Public transit

    On the corner of 4th and Broadway.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (502) 583-1234

  • Private party facilities

    Private dining room available to accommodate up to 22 people comfortably.

  • Private party contact

    Agustin Sosa : (502) 583-1234 ext. 7069

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