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Black Jockey's Lounge, Louisville, KY

Black Jockey's Lounge

4.2
4.2
361 Reviews
$30 and under
American
The Black Jockeys Lounge is committed to providing a fine dining experience that will have you on the edge of your seats. We have intentionally curated this establishment to be a perfect cocktail of education, food, luxury, and, entertainment. This is what the city needs and we are here to provide that unforgettable experience.
Black Jockeys Lounge is the Edu-tainment; destination for an Exquisite Gourmet Food, History, Art and Smooth Jazz!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Phone number
    (502) 587-0526
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Black/African American, Women
  • Executive chef
    Chef Clayton Elliott
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Louisville
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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What 361 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Central Kentucky

    Hot spot

  • Louisville

    Hot spot

  • Louisville

    Lively

361 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very good experience at the black Jockey. I had a reservation for 7 and was running a little late. They honored the 20 minute grace period and I was seated promptly. There was a live jazz band playing and it was pretty loud. If you are looking for a quiet place to eat this is not it. I got the salmon and it was delicious. The person I was with got a burger medium well only to find out half way through it was raw which was disappointing and killed both of our appetites.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The vibe, the service and food were all amazing! I can’t wait to go back!

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Little Rock

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    We visited before the Wynonna Judd concert. I made reservations months in advance on Open Table. When we arrived the hostess stand didn’t see our reservation. I provided my email verification and we were seated. Our friends who had arrived before us had already been seated but the hostess didn’t make a connection. Once we were all seated together, our server came and took drink orders promptly. The restaurant was not yet full but it took about 30 minutes before drinks arrived and not all came out together. We ordered two appetizers that arrived in reasonable time. Our food order took 1 1/2 to arrived and the server did say there had been a mix up in he kitchen. No offer was made to compensate us in any way for the delayed execution. The final straw was an order for a bourbon on ye rocks that arrived as a bourbon in Coke. We had already closed out the check and had to leave to get to the concert. Epic Fail. We won’t return.

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  4. SandraF

    Louisville

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall1food2service2ambience3
    Our first time there and was disappointed. Had high hopes due to their location across from major music/entertainment venue. Limited menu. Cajun influences. We ordered the cornbread and shrimp appetizer and the fish special-blackened skate over Parmesan grits and the Diablo spicy pasta with andouille sausage and chicken. First of all, all the food was brought out at the same time. Weird. The appetizer was not hot. Thick rectangle of jalapeño cornbread topped with a few medium shrimp and a sauce. The cornbread was the highlight of the meal. The blackened Skate was a bit fishy and literally hard to find in the bowl. The Parmesan grits were tasty but a supposed caper sauce sloshed in the bowl with the fish fillet difficult to find amid the grits. Had the fish been plated sitting on the grits with a bit of sauce over it would have been better although the fish would have still been fishy. The Diablo pasta was OK but the grilled strips of chicken on top were a bit tough. Probably from pre-cooking earlier in the day. It was not fresh off the grill. Dessert- 2 choices- we picked peach cobbler. Canned peaches in a thickened sauce with a 2 by 2 inch piece of some sort of cooked dough. Too many choices in downtown and NuLu. Won’t be back.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chief Clayton is a master! Their Shrimp and Grits or Fried Green Tomatoes from their standard menu are the best in Louisville…and the chief’s specials are truly out of this world amazing! But nothing on the menu is average!! GREAT service always! Shift supervisor Nikki Erwins will answer any question or get you anything, and senior server Bailey are engaging, knowledgeable and ready to meet any need. This will continue to be a favorite of ours anytime we are downtown especially if we are headed to a show at the Louisville Palace.

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  6. DebraD

    Coastal Georgia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience3
    The catfish filet was excellent as were the fish and grits in buffet, but thought prices were a little high, especially on alcohol. By the time we arrived, buffet was short on a couple of items, which was our fault for arriving at 2:45.

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  7. DeeDee

    Nashville

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time dining here, very nice, food was delicious.

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  8. SherrieH

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, jazz playing. Great service and the chef came out to visit us.

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  9. JenniferS

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the light sound of jazz kusic in the background. Small.and cozy! Great cocktails! Great food!

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff was absolutely wonderful and very attentive! The food was amazing!! We will definitely be back.

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  11. MrsJuicy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was nice the food was great the musicians were Super Nice and Atmosphere was great had a great time celebrating my birthday with my husband and family!

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Ambiance was good, service was good, menu selections were limited. I had the burger and it was fair. Nothing to”write home to mom” about. We were going to the Palace for a show so it was convenient. But don’t think we will be back.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Plastic table ware. Ugh. Eat your $20 salmon with a plastic fork.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    I enjoyed this place but I do think the burgers we ordered were not worth $18 a piece.

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  15. RichardB

    Columbus

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the best dinner I have ever eaten at the Black Jockey Lounge. Chef Clayton makes the best Shrimp and Grits! Dajah, our server, was a delight.

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  16. Jgirl

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food2service5ambience5
    My first time at this place for an outting with my girls for my birthday. It's nice, has good vibes, The band was jamming, food was either salty or bland, had my taste buds all over the place. I had the shrimps and grits "salty", tried my friends food and the catfish "bland", salmon "ok" Im not big on the skin, the greens was tangy and seemed to be scorched. The drinks were good and reasonable priced. I will say the stuffed mushrooms and the fried green tomatoes were delicious.

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  17. ShirleyH

    Nashville

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our party of four had a great dinner! The hostess Nikki was so personable and took extra care to make sure our dining experience was exceptional. Our server was running late, but Nikki asked the chef to come out and meet us to describe the shrimp cornbread. I ordered it and it was so delicious! The sauce with andouille sausage was so flavorful!! Our cocktails were excellent and so was the service. Nikki came by more than once to check on us. We had tickets for Louisville Palace so location was perfect. Nikki took a picture of our group at the entrance! We had to leave before live music began, but we will definitely return our next trip to Louisville. Highly recommend.

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  18. Justice

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food, music and atmosphere. I always have a great experience.

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  19. KimB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    I made a last minute reservation due to my other reservation at another restaurant being canceled without notice. I called and spoke with Nikki and she made sure that my entire birthday party was accommodated. I ordered the steak tacos and had 2 Washington apples (drink) My husband had the fish and 2 kamikaze's. Our server Felicia was absolutely amazing. We really enjoyed ourselves and we will definitely be returning.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    Food was great and price was expected based on standard experience at other local restaurants. This was our first visit to this restaurant and we had chosen it because we had attended an event across the street at the Palace, so very convenient location. Our waiter was terrific and visited our table periodically to check on us; however, we had to ask him for water refills, which happened only once, and the glasses were extremely small, approximately 8 ounce volume. We were also shocked to be using plastic forks and knives. The live music was great, but noise level was at an 8 at times because of so many hard surfaces and a bustling restaurant. My dining companion and I had to almost shout in order to have a conversation. The restrooms were subpar and need an upgrade as 2 of the 3 doors on stalls could not be shut completely or locked and it was awkward to enter and close the doors because of tight spaces in which the door hit the toilet upon entry. We would consider returning if we are in the area again, but probably not make a specific trip due to cost of parking and other factors noted earlier that detracted from the overall experience.

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  21. PercyC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Serve some sort of bread with the food. I would have really went well with the dishes that we ordered.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I was worried about the service based on recent reviews, we had reservations and were seated quickly. We received our drink order within a few minutes and ordered the shrimp cornbread appetizer- it was delicious, highly recommended. I got the blackened salmon and my wife got a salad with shrimp, both came out in a timely manner and were perfectly cooked and seasoned. My only complaint was when the band started, very hard to hear conversation- but the band itself was very good. They seemed to be able to handle the influx of people as a show ended. Great location and price point for dinner.

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  23. tarag

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Food was great! Service was good! Recommended for location. Across the s treet from the palace. So if you're seeing a concert,you can watch the line out the window instead of standing in the line. Get the shrimp cornbread appetizer. Delicious!!! Venue itself needed maintenance. Wobbly tables, no Silverware rolled, out of ingredients... but none of that mattered because what I said above trumps anything negative. Recommended if you're attending event at the palace. Wouldn't go here on my own again without that. Although they were having live music start which we didn't get to see. Looked like a 4 or 5 piece band. Would've probably been great. Only commenting on my experience pre event.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    We had reservations but when we got there, there was no hostess to seat us. After 10 minutes, a hostess came by and told us to seat ourselves. We did but then no one ever came to serve us. There were servers standing around and also bussing tables but never came by our table. After twenty minutes we left. Never got to try to food or drinks.

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  25. LaVonneB

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience4
    I was excited about experiencing Black Jockey however, I was quite disappointed. We had two waiters. They were ok. They took forever to check on us, they didn’t order our food until late. They got our orders wrong. Some orders didn’t even come out. We were celebrating my mom’s 60th birthday. The food was absolutely horrible!!! If it wasn’t for the event coordinator/ on shift manager and entertainment…. the night would have been unbearable. Maybe they we’re having a bad night… I’m not sure but it left a bad taste in my mouth.

    1 person found this helpful

  26. Soutoftown

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    Had reservations on a Friday evening at 6:15pm. Came into town for a special event. We were only a table of two. We sat at our table and waited for 45 minutes after ordering our entrees. Eventually told by our waitress that they were "out of buns" for our burgers and had to order something else. We had to quickly order something neither of us really wanted to eat, just so we could make it out of the restaurant and to our event on time. Unacceptable that it took 45 minutes for our server to inform us, and not even given the option to just use bread instead? The A/C unit directly above us started to leak while we waited, creating a big puddle of liquid on the floor right next to me and was never cleaned up. We were there to celebrate a birthday and this entire dining experience was a bummer.

    1 person found this helpful

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed the the lounge good music, good people and awesome food definitely will be going back.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

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  28. JulesO

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional dining experience. Our waiter—Richard—did an outstanding job, friendly and knowledgeable. The floor manager, Nicki (spelled?), stopped by and checked on us a couple of times. The food was very good. My husband had the Diablo pasta, and I enjoyed the BJL shrimp and grits. Highly recommend.

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  29. KassidyC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    It was me and my party's first time at the restaurant and the vibe was amazing! Loved the live music playing. The food was good and so was the drink that I ordered, but the waiter did take a long time to get our money nor didn't really check up on us often, but other than that everything was great! We will most definitely come back.

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  30. MichaelP

    Atlanta Metro

    10 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience1
    Service was iffy at best. We had to find our own waitress three times. When we finally got our food it was good but by then it was time to go. The entertainment was HORRIBLE!! The singer just kept getting louder and more off key as the night went on.

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  31. NicoleM

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service . Fried green tomatoes, egg rolls , shrimp

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  32. marions

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to eat at on a Friday night. Great food, great service, amazing live music.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Have now eaten here 3 times. Each time was great. Will be back again

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  34. Stephanie

    Cleveland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time in Louisville and this place came highly recommended. We enjoyed live music food and wonderful energy.

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  35. ClaytonN

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Wonderful experience. Will definitely return on my next visit to Louisville.

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  36. JamesH

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall2food4service3ambience3
    Was wife birthday arrive at 715pm with reservations was ask to give up seat at 915 pm head lady said reserved seat are only for 2 hours..we had spent 100 dollars was enjoying the band…their was a concert at the palace.. and people were tryna get in.. we should not had been made to give up our seats .. where in your advertisement does it state that .. me and my family have been their many times and have never been told that.. I would not have came their if I knew that , it was a night out not a hour out, the fun had just started and we we’re friends with the band members…So we left their in went to joes palm room after being told we had to give up seats..why make reservations? Very upset never ever had this happen anywhere.. not sure if I will be back..and we have supported you all along.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    22 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food was delicious. There's an issue I've noticed getting the appropriate amount of flatware and share plates (I kept my flatware after our starter course, but my mother didn't, and she had to wait after we got our entrees for new flatware to be brought - at this price point, it really should be a priority). Water refills are also not a priority. I had 2 glasses of wine and my mother had a cocktail; but the water glasses are too small and refills are not automatic (we drink a lot of water). Overall, still a good experience. The fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits and salmon dinners were terrific! We were there to see Diana Ross across the street. People watching was entertaining. Everyone was in a good mood. And we had an early enough reservation that we were not stressed about making it out in time for the show. As I said, food is always good here. I hope they step up service to meet the expectations set by the food and price point. Everyone is friendly. I don't mean to say that people aren't trying; but sometimes their priorities are misguided.

    1 person found this helpful

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Drinks and music were great! Food was so so. Service was very good.

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  39. Iven

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My fiancée & I go to The Black Jockey Lounge often. We always have a good time. We enjoy the food and drinks. The atmosphere is always on point!

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  40. AngelaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was awesome and the band sounded amazing

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Safety precautions

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Black Jockey's Lounge offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (502) 587-0526.

Black Jockey's Lounge is rated 4.2 stars by 361 OpenTable diners.

Black Jockey's Lounge does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Black Jockey's Lounge

630 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Louisville
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Black/African American, Women
  • Executive chef
    Chef Clayton Elliott
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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