3 Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown Louisville

3 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lobby Bar & Grill at the Brown Hotel restaurant

1. Lobby Bar & Grill at the Brown Hotel

4.6

Exceptional(1078)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown Louisville

Booked 29 times today

Come enjoy the historic lobby of The Brown Hotel in our Lobby Bar and Grill. Contemporary cuisine meets historic opulence at The Brown Hotel’s spectacularly beautiful, and classic lobby setting. A popular spot for the next generation of Louisville merrymakers, this glamorous, gilded space balances its history with modern touches and sophisticated tastes. Our menu includes a mix of classic and contemporary dishes, but our signature Hot Brown is rated as Kentucky's most popular dish. Enjoy our Hot Brown, and other signature items with a classic Old Fashion. Our bar features well-crafted cocktails and an highly rated bourbon menu. Finish your experience with Louisville's original dessert, the Derby pie. Reservations are for the Lobby Bar and Grill.

A photo of River House Restaurant & Raw Bar restaurant

2. River House Restaurant & Raw Bar

4.7

Exceptional(7350)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown Louisville

Booked 71 times today

River House Restaurant and Raw Bar is Louisville’s premiere riverfront dining destination. It is the vision of award-winning chef and restaurateur John Varanese and seats 330 in its main dining room, raw bar, and patio. Guests experience a charming “home like” atmosphere as they enter the restaurant from the front porch garden area. Enter through a 20-foot tall by 40-foot wide water wall, and enjoy intimate decor, and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall overlooking the back courtyard and river, River House is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. The menu features regional cuisine with a Southern flair and an emphasis on fresh seafood including Grilled Oysters on the Half Shell, BBQ Braised Beef Short Rib, and the Maker’s Mark Bourbon Barrel Smoked Salmon. Our 15 foot raw bar features assorted raw oysters, king crab, and jumbo shrimp. Reservations are recommended. We look forward to serving you!

A photo of Bristol Bar & Grille - Downtown restaurant

3. Bristol Bar & Grille - Downtown

4.2

Awesome(1008)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown Louisville

Booked 9 times today

Home of the Green Chili Wontons, Louisville’s favorite guilty pleasure, Bristol Bar & Grille has been the city’s neighborhood restaurant since 1977. Original menu dishes include the classic Bristol Burger and aged, charbroiled New York Strip steak as well as favorites like Pork Dijonnaise and Theresa’s Sweet Chili Linguine. We source many of our ingredients from local farmers. An award-winning Sunday brunch buffet features made-to-order waffles, Weisenberger grits, fried chicken and a build your own Bloody Mary Bar. Bristol Bar & Grille Master Sommelier, Scott Harper, crafted an extensive wine menu to pair with each dish. Certified Bourbon Stewards are on hand to answer any questions about our native spirit. Bristol Bar & Grille downtown is located on the heart of Main Street. A member of the Urban Bourbon Trail, we are perfect for business lunches, family dinners, date night and private events. Walking distance from many of Louisville’s top attractions. Outdoor seating is available.

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown Louisville

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3 restaurants available nearby

1. Lobby Bar & Grill at the Brown Hotel

2. River House Restaurant & Raw Bar

3. Bristol Bar & Grille - Downtown

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