— Best Hotel Restaurant
- And the winner is...
- Proof on Main
The Basics
Opened: 2006
Neighborhood: Downtown (21c Museum Hotel)
Self-description: “Farm-to-table freshness, robust collection of Kentucky’s best bourbons. Mirroring the vibrant and eclectic interior, the menus showcase Southern- and Appalachian-inspired cuisine.”
Website: proofonmain.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 25
Total wins: 9
First win: 2006, Best Restaurant Decor
Also won: 2008, 2012, Best Swanky BarThe Voting Academy Says
“Crazy to think that Proof has almost been around for 20 years. Still as good as when it opened.”
- And the other nominees are...
- 8Up
The Basics
Opened: 2014
Neighborhood: Downtown (Hilton Garden Inn)
Self-description: “Restaurant and rooftop in lively entertainment district.”
Website: 8uplouisville.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 3
Total wins: 1 (2016, Best Cocktail Bar)The Voting Academy Says
“Love that rooftop when the weather’s nice, and the igloos when it’s cold outside.”
- bar Vetti
The Basics
Opened: 2017 (originally in the 800 Building)
Neighborhood: NuLu (inside the AC Hotel, though not run by the hotel)
Self-description: “Regional Italian rooted in Kentucky.”
Website: barvetti.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“The burrata and orecchiette are to-die-for. THE best Caesar salad I have ever had, by a landslide, with its dried apple/anchovy dressing and ‘everything’ granola. And although bar Vetti has become known for its pasta and entrees, don’t sleep on the pizza.”
- Lobby Bar & Grill
The Basics
Opened: 1923 (the Brown Hotel)
Neighborhood: Downtown
Self-description: “Contemporary classic meets Old World opulence.”
Website: Lobby BarBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 2 (for the Lobby Bar specifically; the Brown and the English Grill have been nominated many times)
First nomination: 2006, Best CocktailsThe Voting Academy Says
“Manhattan and a burger at the bar.”
- Paseo
The Basics
Opened: 2023
Neighborhood: Highlands (Myriad Hotel)
Self-description: “As you dine and drink, the Myriad Swim Club beckons just outside, offering a seamless indoor-outdoor dining experience.”
Website: paseolouisville.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“An amazing addition to Louisville’s food scene.”
- Repeal
The Basics
Opened: 2019
Neighborhood: Downtown (Hotel Distil)
Self-description: “An array of oak-fired steaks and seafood.”
Website: repeallouisville.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“Repeal is at the heart of Whiskey Row. It carries the culture of Kentucky and is a great representation of the history of the bourbon industry and the spirit of the Kentucky people. The food is second to none and the environment is warm and welcoming.”