Proof on Main
Bar and American Restaurant$$$$
Central Business District, Louisville
The experts at Eater and Serious Eats recommend this place
"I had an amazing bison burger with my Judi"(8 Tips)
"here on the Urban Bourbon Trail and have an Old Fashioned Root Beer"(4 Tips)
"super chill place to grab bourbon flights and cocktails"(3 Tips)
"Try the Salmon and Truffle Fries"(4 Tips)
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140 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- good for dates
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Brad HagerFebruary 26, 2016VERY GOOD place, great atmosphere, very hip / chic clientele. Food is amazing, especially the bison burger, scallops, octopus, & grits 😄 incredible, provocative Art throughout, GREAT drinks ❤️❤️❤️
Upvote8Downvote
Justin TranNovember 19, 2014Everything is good at Proof, last time we was there, we had a steak and diver scallop. The steak I had was perfect every bit had so much flavor. The diver scallop was a nice size and very fresh!
Upvote7Downvote
Serious EatsAugust 16, 2013Broadbent Country Ham Falafel is a must-order appetizer--beloved Kentucky ham is mixed in with the chickpeas before each falafel ball is shaped and fried, adding smoky pigginess to each bite.Upvote23Downvote
EaterJanuary 8, 2014While the reviews of the 30-foot-tall golden naked David in front of its entrance are mixed, new executive chef Levon Wallace's menu has drawn near universal praise. [Eater 18 Member]
Upvote1Downvote
Kelly Reeves 🐱September 4, 2014If you're not in the mood for a full meal, try the bar's selection of creative, delicious small plates that are unique to the bar menu. And the cocktails, duh!Upvote1DownvoteUpvoted Feb 27
JenKuduNovember 13, 2017Great cocktails; fantastic decor!!! The pate pop tart was interesting. I’m not huge on pate personally but the execution was very well done and balanced.UpvoteDownvote
Hillary LeeNovember 14, 2015The food was outstanding. We had the octopus appetizer (perfection), for dinner I had the Duck Bolognese, my husband had the veal (great). Pair the KY bourbon pie with the Madeira...it is beautiful!UpvoteDownvote- EaterApril 23, 2013While the reviews of the 30-foot-tall golden naked David in front of its entrance are mixed, new executive chef Levon Wallace's menu has drawn near universal praise.Upvote10Downvote
Miles & Smith Real Estate GroupAugust 27, 2012The food was over the top! Gary had the appetizer Ahi Tuna - best he's ever had and the Salmon. Minette had the Buffalo Bison, which ended being the best piece of meat she'd ever tasted. Will be back! Read moreUpvoteDownvote
Arlene MurphyMay 27, 2014Make sure to take the time to check out the art gallery during your visit. It is small but very worthwhile. They have a golden replica of Michelangelo's David on the outsideUpvoteDownvote
Metromix LouisvilleMarch 28, 2012The food is delicious, the drinks are wonderful, but it's the decor that makes Proof on Main worth going to. Plus, the restaurant located inside 21c Museum Hotel boasts the best bathroom in the city. Read moreUpvote1Downvote
Jeffrey WolffApril 20, 2014Enjoyed a 'Death's Grip'. Perfect place to finish our Urban Bourbon Trail. 6 for 6!!! We Rock!!! Most expensive T shirt we earned for free. :)Upvote1Downvote
Shaheer BurneyMay 21, 2012Posh little bar with a strikingly surreal decor. The place is furnished with a nice blend of high tables akin to a formal setting and large comfortable couches. Wear a casual jacket at the least.UpvoteDownvote
Ghostly InternationalJuly 11, 2011Any restaurant inside a contemporary art museum is going to be interesting, and Proof isn't any different. Atmosphere, food, presentation, everything. Ice cream is delicious - go for the burnt sugar.UpvoteDownvote
Top Tier TravelMay 5, 2012This is a New York worthy restaurant!. This sounds weird but you HAVE to go & take a look at the Men's restroom...the urinal is 1 of a kind! Reservations during Derby have to be made months in advanceUpvoteDownvote
JohannaSeptember 22, 2015The bison burger is awesome; the crispy rosemary parmesan fries are even better. Love that they split it for us!UpvoteDownvote
David EldridgeApril 26, 2015Very nice brunch. The cornmeal biscuit in the Benedict is a unique and tasty option compared to other brunch spots.UpvoteDownvote
Just Add BourbonMay 2, 2011Ask your server or bartender for your Urban Bourbon Trail Passport! Try the "Darkened Manhattan" - Woodfor Reserve bourbon, sweet vermouth and Starbuck's dark coffee liquer shaken with ice, strained aUpvoteDownvote
Daniel BarnettOctober 19, 2014Get the roasted bones if you're looking for something special. Or incredible. Either one.UpvoteDownvote
ChrisDecember 25, 2018Make sure to visit the adjacent museum and walk around the restaurant
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KateJune 30, 2013Fantastic atmosphere! Order a bourbon flight & don't miss the attached contemporary art gallery in the 21c hotel.UpvoteDownvote
Schanel MosesApril 17, 2014The fried bologna sandwich took me back to my childhood. You must try it! The cocktails are wonderful, too!UpvoteDownvote
paolo benvenutoMay 31, 2015Great food and cool venue- attached to a gallery when you need a break from your table 😉.UpvoteDownvote
Erin ElyNovember 21, 2014What a great place to experience Kentucky Bourbonism and amazing food. The truffle fries are fantasticUpvoteDownvote
Proof on main is a must for anyone visiting our fair city. Great cocktails and the most interesting people. Be sure to check out the interesting art installations in the attached hotel galleries.UpvoteDownvote
RobSeptember 19, 2013Proof selected Eagle Rare is delicious. Slightly more spicy than your typical Eagle Rare and well worth the visit.Upvote1Downvote- Micki BalderSeptember 3, 2017Best cocktail I've had in a long time, great service, and top quality without feeling stuffy.UpvoteDownvote
Enjoyed the tuna tartine with Lima bean salad for lunch. It was light, low cal, and gourmet. But it killed me to watch a co-worker have the fries, which are soooo good. Being on a diet sucks.UpvoteDownvote
Brian DeisDecember 30, 2012Seems like their bison burger is the favorite here, tonight I delve into the hen of the woods on the gnocchi
Upvote1Downvote
Janae Minor KennedyJune 9, 2015The art and the pictures. Its beautiful. All the different wonderful smells. Its amazing!!! 😀UpvoteDownvote
ᴡ BuschJuly 3, 2018Not too pricey when you just get the charcunerie at the bar... Ladies don't forget to strike a pose at the large mirror on the way to the bathroom.UpvoteDownvote
Lucille FisherAugust 25, 2014The charred Octupus was disappointing. It was rubbery , though with flavor. I love Octupus and have had it all over the world. The Octupus in their sister resto in Cincy is soo much better.UpvoteDownvote
Kevin PatrickJanuary 31, 2015The dinner here is amazing, especially the fatty pork chops. The "goo cake" is a disappointing fudge brownie.UpvoteDownvote
KristinMarch 26, 2014#ProofonMain The menu is a bit eclectic but you can't go wrong! Shrimp & grits are stupid good!Upvote1Downvote
BiancaSeptember 6, 2019Best bison burger and scallops. Funny place - kitsch with charm.UpvoteDownvote
Ariana BostwickMay 30, 2016Excellent cocktails! And extremely great bar staff. We had a great time for a bachelorette.UpvoteDownvote
Liz LeJuly 22, 2010Krista, waitress, is awesome! Very attentive. Food is stellar. The beet and pickled salad, lake walleye dishes are superb. And cotton candy ending? It's like a dream!UpvoteDownvote
Anayancy EscarpanterAugust 17, 2011Yum!! The art around the hotel is incredible... Must order the Finlandia vodka drink on the menu to get your taste buds going! Cheers!UpvoteDownvote- Melanie GeorgeFebruary 7, 2015Unique alcohol selections ... my southern boy husband loves a good bourbon and rye.UpvoteDownvote
TheYumYumFoodieAugust 18, 2014Get the smoked fish dip...yum.Great all around experience. Read more
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Tom JMarch 13, 2012Imbibe Magazine recognized Proof on Main as having one of the Best Hotel Bars in the South in their March/April 2011 Southern Issue.UpvoteDownvote
NatalyaJune 29, 2014Great cocktails, impressive drinks menu. Pretty amazing gallery in the backUpvoteDownvote
Rob RebelAugust 9, 2015Widest selection of bourbons I've ever seen! 👀 Try a tasting flight.UpvoteDownvote
Paul HigginsAugust 12, 2014Marvelously crafted menu. Fantastic atmosphere. Easy location.Upvote1Downvote
526 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Tucked within Louisville's famed 21C hotel, Proof on Main is...(Show more)
Open until 1:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 7:00 AM–10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM–1:00 AM
- Fri
- 7:00 AM–10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM–2:00 AM
- Sat
- 7:00 AM–2:00 AM
- Sun
- 7:00 AM–Midnight
(502) 217-6360
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Cocktails
See More
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- 8.6
"Seamless integration of modern art, top notch hotel, and first class bar/restaurant. High end culture at every turn. Pleasure to visit, stay, or eat."
Jon Pressman - 9.1
"I'm a huge baseball fan, but you'll love it even if you're not. Definite must see. Don't forget to check out the ceilings!!!!"
Aly - 9.2
"There are no bad seats here. Great visibility and sound even in the back of the balcony! Our favorite venue!"
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