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Proof on Main

4.5
4.5
3267 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Top Tags:
The ingredients in our menus reflect the region’s sustainable farmers and producers with a soulful and honest approach showcasing the bounty of the Ohio River Valley. Housed in five historic buildings in downtown Louisville, Proof on Main is part of 21c Museum Hotels, the award-winning boutique hotel and restaurant group. The dining room is one of the most striking public spaces in the city, with rotating, contemporary art exhibitions by local and internationally-acclaimed artists alike.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 53 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Thu–Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (502) 217-6360

  • Website

    http://www.proofonmain.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Jeff Dailey

  • Catering

    Catering is provided by Proof on Main and the culinary team can prepare a menu specifically tailored to fit your needs. The menu works to showcase the agricultural bounty of the Ohio River Valley and celebrates artisanal products and sustainable farming, delivering plates rich with the culinary traditions of Italy and the American South.

  • Private party facilities

    Private dining is available for groups 10-150. The private room in Proof on Main can accommodate up to 24 and our art gallery space within the 21c Museum Hotel can seat 150 and host a reception for up to 300.

  • Private party contact

    Charlie Cronin: (502) 217-6352

  • Location

    702 W. Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown Louisville

  • Cross street

    7th Street

  • Parking details

    Parking begins after 5:00pm and is $8 for valet. There is also garage parking available at 7th and Market.

  • Entertainment

    Adjacent to Proof on Main is the 21c Museum, North America's first museum dedicated solely to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art of the 21st century. With over 9000 square feet of exhibition space, 21c Museum hosts dynamic group and solo exhibitions featuring emerging artists alongside acclaimed international artists, such as video artists Bill Viola and Tony Oursler, photographers Andres Serrano, Sam Taylor Wood, and David Leventhal, sculptors Yinka Shonibare and Judy Fox, and multimedia artists Chuck Close, Alfredo Jaar, and Kara Walker.The Museum is free and open to the public, 24/7.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 3,267 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Central Kentucky

    Lively

  • Louisville

    Lively

  • Louisville

    Contemporary American

Sort by

Filters

  1. T

    Toulouse82

    Louisville

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great wine, great service! Great food!

    Proof on MainResponded 3 days agoThank you so much Toulouse82. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  2. MD

    MichaelD

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Taste of the food was amazing, but chefs choice/cut stake (market price) was tough and overly chewy when cooked to medium rare.

    Proof on MainResponded 3 days agoThank you for the feedback MichaelD. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  3. AK

    AmandaKD

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went here for my 28th birthday with a group of 6 friends. It was an amazing and memorable experience. Every appetizer and entrée was delicious, especially the rabbit dish!

    Proof on MainResponded 3 days agoThank you so much AmandaKD. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  4. RP

    RobinP

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We were excited to try Proof after hearing great things, and overall, it was good. I found myself a tad underwhelmed by some of the dishes we ordered, however. We often order octopus, but felt this dish was trying too hard with seasoning, and was overcooked. The mushrooms were delicious, but the largest one was cold. The beet salad lived up to my hopes and was a refreshing palate cleanser. Finally we had the cornbread and it was delicious. It felt more like a dessert, so I’m glad we ordered it last! The decor is a bit matchy matchy with the reds & aqua for my taste. I prefer the decor of the Lexington Lockbox restaurant.

    Proof on MainResponded 3 days agoThank you so much for the feedback RobinP. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  5. KR

    KReviews

    New England

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The food was delicious and service excellent. Particularly fond of the octopus and mushrooms. I will say the gnocchi was slightly disappointing, I didn’t expect it to have an orange sauce based on the description and the portion size was very small. The other disappointing aspect was that the penguins were not moved around the restaurant, they sat at the same table for the entire evening. Overall great and would recommend.

    Proof on MainResponded 3 days agoThank you so much for the feedback KReviews. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  6. S

    Sandysilver

    Louisville

    28 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Birthday dinner

    Proof on MainResponded 3 days agoThank you so much Sandysilver. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  7. SF

    SFoodie

    Nashville

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    The server, while nice, needs serious training. When we asked about one of the 8 cocktails on the menu, he said he really doesn’t like cocktails and doesn’t know much about them??? Please learn for the benefit of ur customers. Food was mediocre at best.

    Proof on MainResponded 3 days agoThank you for the feedback SFoodie. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  8. JS

    JamieS

    Louisville

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Octopus is very good. Everything met our expectations.

    Proof on MainResponded on January 17, 2023Thank you so much JamieS. Our Octopus is amazing! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main team

  9. N

    Niolac

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Every dish was made with excellent Ingredients. Which led to luscious plates. Chef Weeks’ food and the front of the house charm will have us visiting Louisville again!

    Proof on MainResponded on January 17, 2023Thank you so much Niolac. Definitely come back and see us again soon!! -Proof on Main Team

  10. BR

    BR549

    Seattle

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you have never been here before, be sure and arrive about 30 minutes before your reservation. Order an expertly crafted cocktail at the bar and stroll around the art gallery while sipping. Our server had a deep understanding of the menu which is constantly changing. Service was professional yet warm and welcoming. All food was thoroughly delicious. A memorable evening.

    Proof on MainResponded on January 17, 2023Thank you so much BR549. We are so glad you enjoyed the full experience of 21c and Proof. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the food was amazing and our server was very kind and attentive.

    Proof on MainResponded on January 17, 2023Thank you so much Anonymous. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  12. SS

    ScottS

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Fun, downtown restaurant for something different from BBQ. Very creative menu offerings. The walls are decorated with an eclectic mix of artwork. The spices with the grilled octopus were not like any we have had before- outstanding.

    Proof on MainResponded on January 17, 2023Thank you so much ScottS. Our Octopus is amazing. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  13. JK

    JenniferK

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Had an early reservation at 5:30 pm. Tried ordering the popular spaghetti and clams and they were out. I was told they only had 3 orders for the night - on a Friday night! We then ordered the rabbit and the chicken. The rabbit was so dry, thin, and fried to a crisp that we had to send it back to the kitchen and cancel the order. The chicken was virtually tasteless but edible at the least. If you want to go for appetizers – the crispy mushrooms, octopus, and carpaccio were very good. Otherwise, the food is far too overpriced for what is coming out of that kitchen. Entrées like this should not be acceptable for a restaurant at this level. Regular service and regular atmosphere.

    Proof on MainResponded 3 days agoThank you so much for the feed back JenniferK. We are sorry that your experience with us was not up to expectations. We hope you will come back and give us a try again. -Proof on Main Team

  14. k

    kennyg

    Louisville

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I made reservations for a New Years Day celebration. I don’t regret making plans to visit for dinner at Proof. Our server was extremely knowledgeable, accommodating and attentive. She made excellent recommendations from the menu. I will visit again for certain.

    Proof on MainResponded on January 3, 2023Thank you so much kennyg. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  15. DR

    DavidR

    Dallas

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Food was ok. Wait staff was disinterested.
  16. DD

    DonnaD

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Halibut was overcooked. Amazing atmosphere, good service, all the food was very fresh. Great persentation

    Proof on MainResponded on January 3, 2023Thank you so much DonnaD. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to Proof on Main for New Year’s Eve dinner and everything was cooked perfect!

    Proof on MainResponded on January 17, 2023Thank you so much Anonymous. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  18. AC

    AllieC

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    We went there for New Years Eve and the food was great! I am a vegan and they accommodated my needs, and the tofu dish was phenomenal.
  19. SM

    StephanieM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful experience. The host helped us adjust our time. Annette, our server, was outstanding. The food was delicious, and the chef allowed a side substitution. Would recommend to everyone

    Proof on MainResponded on January 3, 2023Thank you so much StephanieM. We love when the whole dining experience comes together perfectly!! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our server Rosemary was great!! She made our evening memorable and she was attentive and had great suggestions for entrees and drinks. The lighting was beautiful and the bar was fun. The spaghetti and Clams was amazing. Also loved the corn bread appetizer. We will be back!! Thanks Rosemary for making our night memorable and special.

    Proof on MainResponded on January 3, 2023Thank you so much Anonymous. We love our servers!! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  21. N

    Nata

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cool and different food menu. Expansive bourbon and wine menu.

    Proof on MainResponded on January 3, 2023Thank you so much Nata. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  22. l

    lafmac

    London

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Well, this restaurant came very highly recommended. Unfortunately it fell short of this expectation. We had an appetizer special that was wonderful; sausage and black eyed peas! Very good. It went a little downhill from here. My wife ordered the spaghetti and clams and was very pleased I on the other hand ordered the pork chop and corn bread. The corn bread, served in a cast iron skillet, SHOULD have been warm and inviting; it was neither. The pork chop was equally disappointing. The topping was overwhelmingly tart, not at all complimentary to the chop. And the chop was tough, not tender at all. Too chewy. Again, this restaurant came very highly recommended so I am willing to chalk this up as an "outlier" and will try again next time in Louisville. One last point, why would a restaurant NOT include your itemized receipt with your final bill... just saying!

    Proof on MainResponded on January 3, 2023Thank you for your feedback Iafmac, Please come back and give us a try again! -Proof on Main Team

  23. ML

    MelissaL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Atmosphere is top notch. Server was new, so that hindered my score for service a bit. The sides were my favorite part!

    Proof on MainResponded on January 3, 2023Thank you for your feedback MelissaL. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The wait staff was amazing. All suggestions added to the perfect date night! The laid back feel kept us feeling like we could take our time and enjoy every moment of the night. The food did not disappoint. Every bite was delicious. Every. Bite. And if you don't get the grits, you are missing out!

    Proof on MainResponded on December 27, 2022Thank you so much Anonymous. We do have an amazing staff! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Always delightful at Proof in Christmas Eve 🎄

    Proof on MainResponded on December 27, 2022Thank you so much Anonymous. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always enjoy a meal at Proof. Food is great quality and the atmosphere is always Gun. New installations in the hotel gallery make it a special treat.
  27. KH

    KelceyH

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The grits were better than my mother’s, and that’s saying A LOT. Our server was caring and helpful! Bison burger surpassed all expectations. I can’t wait to go back

    Proof on MainResponded on December 27, 2022Thank you so much KelceyH. That is quite the compliment!! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  28. BB

    BooBooJeffries

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The rabbit and dumplings are my reason for being.

    Proof on MainResponded on December 27, 2022Thank you so much BooBooJeffries. We agree! The rabbit and dumplings are both amazing! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  29. FC

    FoodieCM

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The foo, drinks and service were outstanding. Can only recommend.

    Proof on MainResponded on December 13, 2022Thank you so much FoodieCM. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  30. CW

    CherylW

    Cincinnati

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    There were few desserts; we were told pastry chef was sick (poor excuse).

    Proof on MainResponded on December 13, 2022Thank you for your feedback CherylW. -Proof on Main Team

  31. L

    Lindsay

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    I would not recommend this place. We went for brunch on Saturday, food was decent but service was terrible. The bar didn’t open until 10, no one would even give me the menu to look at in advance and when I finally got the menu after asking 3x the server never returned to take my order.

    Proof on MainResponded on December 13, 2022Thank you for your feedback Lindsay. We are sad to see that your experience with us was not enjoyable. You are always welcome to come back and give us a try again. -Proof on Main Team

  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall4food4service2ambience5
    2nd time having brunch with the same server. Same issues as first experience- she forgot certain items, food preferences were not honored nor noticed upon serving (eg- 7yo wanted sandwich dressing separately but all on sandwich). Food was not hot upon arrival (eg- Fries served room temperature which is not expected at such a pricey restaurant).
  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    It was ok… the food was basic, but attempting to be fancy. Very fee choices. We did enjoy the seared octopus though!!
  34. MM

    MarieM

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great stop for brunch! Service and food were both great!

    Proof on MainResponded on December 13, 2022Thank you so much MarieM. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  35. BH

    BrianH

    Louisville

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    This was a great date night. We had the Charred Octopus which was great and for entrees we had the Fried Rabbit served on parmesan dumplings which are amazing. Skillet cornbread was great as well.
  36. A

    Anne

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Don’t like the food choices. Menu is to extreme. So ended up with a burger.

    Proof on MainResponded on December 13, 2022Thank you for your feedback Anne. You are always welcome to come back and give us a try again. -Proof on Main Team

  37. KR

    KimR

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    It was our anniversary. The service was acceptable. The entires were terribly salty.

    Proof on MainResponded on November 30, 2022Thank you for your feedback KimR. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  38. S

    Stephanie

    St. Louis

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was great. Brian was our waiter and he was awesome

    Proof on MainResponded on November 30, 2022Thank you so much Stephanie. We do have some amazing servers! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  39. CL

    ChrisL

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Traveling back home to Texas after enjoying Thanksgiving with family in Ohio, we wanted a place to enjoy a good meal and, even more, an excellent cocktail. Proof in Main delivered on both!

    Proof on MainResponded on November 30, 2022Thank you so much ChrisL. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  40. RF

    RobertF

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service We will return for dinner again.

    Proof on MainResponded on November 30, 2022Thank you so much RobertF. We look forward to seeing you again soon. -Proof on Main Team

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Proof on Main is rated 4.5 stars by 3267 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 53 times today
Google Map for Proof on Main

702 W. Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Additional information

  • Cross street

    7th Street

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown Louisville

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Thu–Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Parking begins after 5:00pm and is $8 for valet. There is also garage parking available at 7th and Market.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Jeff Dailey

  • Entertainment

    Adjacent to Proof on Main is the 21c Museum, North America's first museum dedicated solely to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art of the 21st century. With over 9000 square feet of exhibition space, 21c Museum hosts dynamic group and solo exhibitions featuring emerging artists alongside acclaimed international artists, such as video artists Bill Viola and Tony Oursler, photographers Andres Serrano, Sam Taylor Wood, and David Leventhal, sculptors Yinka Shonibare and Judy Fox, and multimedia artists Chuck Close, Alfredo Jaar, and Kara Walker.The Museum is free and open to the public, 24/7.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.proofonmain.com/

  • Phone number

    (502) 217-6360

  • Catering

    Catering is provided by Proof on Main and the culinary team can prepare a menu specifically tailored to fit your needs. The menu works to showcase the agricultural bounty of the Ohio River Valley and celebrates artisanal products and sustainable farming, delivering plates rich with the culinary traditions of Italy and the American South.

  • Private party facilities

    Private dining is available for groups 10-150. The private room in Proof on Main can accommodate up to 24 and our art gallery space within the 21c Museum Hotel can seat 150 and host a reception for up to 300.

  • Private party contact

    Charlie Cronin: (502) 217-6352

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