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Proof on Main, Louisville, KY

Proof on Main

4.5
4.5
3356 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
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 24 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 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

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • 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

  • 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 3,356 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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Central Kentucky

    Innovative

  • Louisville

    Innovative

  • Louisville

    Contemporary American

Sort by

  1. BobS

    New Orleans

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service combined with delicious and creative food
  2. LouisvilleVisitor

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent in every way - you don't want to miss Proof on Main.
  3. TIGERSINJAX

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was excellent, great diversity in menu options. Spectacular wine selection and of course bourbon list!
  4. SallyM

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food2service2ambience1
    Tiny table making dishes and cutlery difficult to manage. Cold food delivered. Rushed service. Incredibly noisy and jammed in tables. “Red” Indian photography adorning walls puzzling - borderline offensive. Overall a very disappointing experience for what was supposed to be a special birthday occasion. Ridiculously expensive wine list - we had the same $120 bottle at another restaurant the night before for $48.
  5. iliketoeat

    Houston

    90 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a phenomenal experience from beginning to end. The service was excellent and our server told us all about the decor and what it all represented as it was pretty eclectic. For starters, the hubs has the grilled octopus and I had the crispy mushroooms. I even tasted the octopus which was very good and I have never wanted to try it! For our mains, I had the mushroon cavatelli and the hubs had the chicken cordon bleu. Both dishes were perfectly prepared and neither of us left a bite. We skipped dessert because we were full but since it was his birthday, they brought us a dessert to share and 2 glasses of an really fine dessert wine. Blown away by the menu in the unique setting. If you get the chance to dine here, don't pass it up!!
  6. Holly

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Staff was very kind and considerate. The food and drinks were great!
  7. MarilynM

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Interesting atmosphere and delicious food. Two good vegetarian main course options. On the expensive side for us, but great for a special occasion.
  8. MVG1

    Denver

    72 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    72 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I last ate here 9 years ago and it only improved . Get the Octopus and the corn bread ! Great Old Fashioned done the right way .. Excellent server suggestions!

    Proof on MainResponded 5 days agoThank you so much MVG1!! We hope you come back and see us again soon! -Proof on Main Team

  9. MaureenN

    Milwaukee

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The brunch menu was not as interesting as I’d hoped. No interesting brunch cocktails which is almost the norm these days. Food was good but not outstanding.

    Proof on MainResponded 5 days agoThank you for the feedback MaureenN. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    26 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Charred octopus tasted great, albeit slightly overcooked, but was way overpriced for the quantity. Country fried steak was bland. Grits were good. Fried chicken sandwich had good flavor but borderline undercooked. My husband ate it anyways, but I wouldn’t have. Grilled cheese and tomato soup was tasty. My server was friendly but forgot the my cocktail, then later forgot the requested hot sauce, did not notice our empty waters, did not ask for drink refills…

    Proof on MainResponded 5 days agoThank you so much for the feedback Anonymous. We hope you come back and give us a try again soon. - Proof on Main Team

  11. EmilyP

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience5
    Food was AMAZING. Service was horrible. Just because we weren’t wearing a suit and looked younger, our server treated us second class. He acted pretentious towards us, while we watched his attitude change while he served a large table full of older men in suits. If you’re looking for great food, 10/10. I would not recommend the service.

    Proof on MainResponded 5 days agoThank you for your feedback EmilyP. We are sorry to see that your service was not up to our standard. We hope you come back and give us a try again. -Proof on Main Team

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great drinks and the food was so amazing ! Very highly recommend !

    Proof on MainResponded 5 days agoThank you so much Anonymous. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  13. kyled

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Cool vibe and servers recommendations were top notch

    Proof on MainResponded 7 days agoThank you so much Kyled. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  14. CanuckDC

    Chicago

    160 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    160 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Annette was fantastic! Great brunch, the only caveat being that 2 of us ordered the quiche and it was a very small portion with a few leaves of lettuce as garnish so we were not satiated after eating - everyone else seemed to have a more typical meal.

    Proof on MainResponded 5 days agoThank you so much for the feedback CanuckDC. We do have some pretty amazing servers! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    Main course was very rich. Tasted like a stick of butter. Cheese board was excellent. Good selection of bourbons. Service was average

    Proof on MainResponded 7 days agoThank you for the feedback Anonymous. We are sorry to see that you did not enjoy your main course while you dined with us. We hope you will come back and give us a try again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  16. MikeR

    Coastal Georgia

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Out of several dinner entrees. Octopus appetizer and chicken entree were both overcooked and dry.

    Proof on MainResponded 7 days agoThank you so much for the feedback MikeR. We hope you come back and give us a try again soon.

  17. VictoriaC

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    EXCELLENT! This was a wonderful evening from the waiter to the sommelier who took the time to teach us about bourbon. A night to remember!
  18. CatonB

    Louisville

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Hadn't been recently and so glad I returned. The menu offered a good cross section of items; food was excellent and the staff couldn't have been better. Going beyond the norm, the manager made a point of thanking us for coming and actually sent over complimentary desserts which were outstanding. Will definitely return soon!

    Proof on MainResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much CatonB. We look forward to seeing you again soon! -Proof on Main Team

  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I don’t know how any restaurant anywhere could have better food than Proof on Main. This is probably our 10th visit and we are thrilled every time, with every bite, of every dish. Amazing!!

    Proof on MainResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much Anonymous. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  20. SandiP

    Nashville

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Good eatery with excellent cocktails and fantastic service. The food missed the mark, but still had a fun time!

    Proof on MainResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much for the feedback SandiP. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was very good and a good mix of different styles. Prices are a bit high but to be expected for a quality dinner. The service at the table was very good and our server was very personable. Bartenders were good especially the young lady with the curlier, magenta colored hair. She served very good drinks and again was very personable. If/when we come back to LOU, we will definitely make this a must stop.

    Proof on MainResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much Anonymous. We do have some amazing people on our staff! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  22. Chippy

    Philadelphia

    181 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    181 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very creative cuisine with delicious variety of menu options. Frondosa mushrooms are so very under rated. Had them fried and crispy as a starter and then sautéed with my entrée Cinsoy Mapo Tofu. Applause goes to the chefs for being creative and bringing deliciously different flavors to the menu. The service staff is really friendly and provided excellent service. You can see they work with purpose. A work ethic hard to find in the service industry. Looking for a new and different dining experience, you should put Proof on Main on your list.

    Proof on MainResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much Chippy!! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Didn’t care for the octopus—too much lime I think. Burger was very good; lobster risotto was outstanding. Drinks were good too. Waiter was not particularly friendly or personable. Valet parking was very easy and appreciated. Overall, good experience.

    Proof on MainResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much Anonymous. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  24. jon5cts

    Los Angeles

    410 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    410 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Super cool, extremely eclectic spot with some really good food. Service was good, very friendly, but not extremely thoughtful. Brought shared apps but no serving spoons. Didn't notice empty glasses. Nothing terrible, but still a little frustrating.

    Proof on MainResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much for the feedback jon5cts. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  25. brian

    Denver

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent restaurant - great food and very service oriented.

    Proof on MainResponded on April 28, 2023Thank you so much Brian. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  26. TerryB

    Chicago

    119 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    119 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    My husband and I had dined at Proof on Main during a previous trip to Louisville a few years ago (we live in Chicago), and previously had a fabulous experience. The food was wonderful and the art-centric atmosphere is fun (art gallery adjacent to the restaurant). This time our dining experience was disappointing. I understand they had a chef change in 2019. We asked the server to guide us on salad selection, she suggested the mushroom and arugula appetizer. When it arrived, the mushrooms were thickly (and I mean THICKLY) breaded and deep fried...not normal salad fare. For entrees, my husband ordered the Flounder and I ordered the Mapo Tofu with bok choy. The tofu dish was really just a dish of cubed tofu in mushroom sauce, the bok choy was literally just a few slivers. Both dishes sounded fabulous on the menu, but in our view they were just OK. Our bill, with a glass of wine was $155, seems above average for food that was not above average. We were disappointed, we expected more health-conscious offerings similar to our last dining experience there. This chef seems more into southern-style preparation, which just isn't our thing. If you like southern food, you might like the food at Proof on Main.

    Proof on MainResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much for the feedback TerryB. Our menu is seasonal and changes frequently. We do have a couple items that always remain, like our bison burger and octopus, but we would encourage you to check back with us when our seasonal items on the menu have changed. We would love for you to come back and give us a try again next time you are in Louisville. -Proof on Main Team

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food3service4ambience5
    Salads were very fresh. Tomato soup was very good! The pimento cheeses appetizer was my favorite. Crab cakes were cooked perfectly crispy with the panko on the outside but they tasted a bit fishy. I prefer crab cakes made with white lump crab meat and theses were made with the brown claw meat. The remoulade sauce was very tasty. Everyone at our table received their non alcoholic drinks right away but it took excessively long to get my mimosa. The ambience was funky and cool. Friendly wait staff. Loved touring the adjacent art gallery.

    Proof on MainResponded on April 26, 2023Thank you so much Anonymous. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  28. LukeA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Over all experience was good. Brunch was average, crab cake was good but a little over cooked. Husband had the burnt ends hash and wasn’t overly excited. The decor was good though

    Proof on MainResponded on April 26, 2023Thank you so much LukeA. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  29. GAve

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was great. Service was slow. Servers were great. Decor was very interesting. Overall a very enjoyable experience.

    Proof on MainResponded on April 26, 2023Thank you so much GAve. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  30. GrowlMD

    Detroit

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    very eclectic atmosphere. Food was good, a little more interesting on paper than to taste, but still with good flavors. Wait staff seemed a little put off by us taking time to place our order

    Proof on MainResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much GrowIMD. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  31. christyg

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Service and food was excellent. Very loud and piano was a little too much. Overall a wonderful experience. Thank you.
  32. MASDine

    Orlando

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Nice overall but with exemplary service. The food was very good, but the offerings were a bit limited.

    Proof on MainResponded on April 26, 2023Thank you so much MASDine. We do have some amazing servers! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent. Our waitress was conscientious and made sure we were out in time for the show. Our food was delicious, especially the octopus appetizer.
  34. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you’re in Louisville and looking for a nice restaurant I would highly recommend this place! Great drinks, food and when you’re done feel free to walk around the museum!

    Proof on MainResponded 5 days agoThank you so much Anonymous. We hope you come back and see us again soon! -Proof on Main Team

  35. Schustergoat

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Enjoyed the food but didn’t have anything that blew me away. But it was all very good and I would like to go back and explore the menu some more. The service and drinks were great.

    Proof on MainResponded on April 26, 2023Thank you so much Schustergoat. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was excellent, the food delicious, and the menu was well organized. Some of the things we ordered: - the greens - brussel sprouts - market chop - charred octopus - shrimp & grits - chicken I really liked the amuse bouche

    Proof on MainResponded on April 26, 2023Thank you so much Anonymous. We love this! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  37. Morte4

    Hawaii

    48 reviews

    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent meal with a great server that had insights and recommendations from the menu. We followed her recommendations on several things and had a great experience. We also shared a wine from the very deep and varied wine list. An outstanding part was the amuse bouche with a mini-cocktail to pair with this.

    Proof on MainResponded on April 26, 2023Thank you so much Morte4. We love our servers! We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  38. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great staff, awesome food, unique cocktails. Went here for our fancy dinner during a Bachelorette Party and it was our favorite food of the trip! The brussel sprouts especially got rave reviews with our group. Would love to go back when we visit Louisville again.

    Proof on MainResponded on April 26, 2023Thank you so much Anonymous. We hope you come back and see us again soon. -Proof on Main Team

  39. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I continue to love this restaurant. Sommelier provided excellent advice on new wines. New spring menu was delicious. Mushroom app was spectacular. I am never disappointed

    Proof on MainResponded on April 26, 2023Thank you so much Anonymous. We hope you come back and see us again soon! -Proof on Main Team

  40. Fsu1jester

    Tampa

    120 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    120 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent!dinner with friends! Don’t miss a walk around the hotel lobby museum. It’s incredible

    Proof on MainResponded on April 26, 2023Thank you so much Fsu1jester. We hope you come back and see us 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 3356 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 24 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

    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 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

  • 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

  • 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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