North of Bourbon

This is a really cool place to visit. The best way I can describe the food menu is eclectic. But it’s really good. As for the Bourbon mix, too many to count which made it a great time ordering different brands. Staff was great! The code took time to go over some of the local history and discuss bourbons at length. Definitely will visit again!

It's a small restaurant with great atmosphere. We went there for the unique barrel booth seating but unfortunately I made late reservations for Saturday night so it was all reserved. Food was delicious and loved the energy of the place.

North of Bourbon is a fabulous little fine dining restaurant and bar in the heart of Louisville. We had a family destination Christmas with travelers from Michigan and Mississippi and were excited to find this restaurant. The menus and the bourbon barrel booths made it a must for our itinerary! We were certainly not disappointed with our choice. The employees were friendly and professional, the service was great and the food was unique and delicious. The cocktails and bourbon pours were perfect for rounding out our meal. Our only regret is not having room for dessert! We highly recommend this restaurant and will visit again when in Louisville!

A Culinary Journey Like No Other From start to finish, this restaurant provided an unforgettable dining experience. We began with an appetizer featuring a beautiful selection of raw and cooked oysters, each one more delightful than the last. The raw oysters were fresh, briny, and perfectly chilled, with a subtle sweetness that made them irresistible. The cooked oysters were equally impressive, rich with flavor and topped with a delicate balance of seasonings that elevated the natural taste of the seafood. Opting for the chef’s choice for the entire meal was an inspired decision. Each course was thoughtfully curated, highlighting seasonal ingredients and creative pairings. The dishes were a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and presentations, keeping our palates intrigued and satisfied throughout the meal. The main courses continued the trend of excellence, with each dish showing a deep understanding of flavor combinations and culinary technique. From the perfectly cooked proteins to the imaginative sides, it was clear that the chefs poured their heart into every dish. But the highlight of the meal came with the dessert – a cheesecake that was more than just a sweet ending; it was an experience. It wasn’t just about flavor, but about the textures and presentation, taking you on a sensory journey. The cheesecake was delicate yet rich, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, and the accompanying elements were thoughtfully paired to elevate the dish even further. It wasn’t just dessert – it was the perfect conclusion to a remarkable meal. The experience as a whole was seamless and expertly executed. If you're looking for a place that goes above and beyond in delivering a truly special dining experience, this restaurant is an absolute must-try.

Absolutely fantastic atmosphere and lighting! Busy and fun yet professional feeling! The staff are very welcoming and kind. We didn't have a reservation and they still went above and beyond with service and getting us a seat. Our server explained the specials and the pour of the week along with the base menu. They very careful and accommodating with allergies! Any issues we had they fixed immediately. Drinks were fantastic and food looked amazing. Tasted amazing too! This an absolute gem in Kentucky that needs to be seen more often. I must have visit for any trip or special occasion! We had the crispy andouille, herb crusted swordfish, peppered catfish nuggets and a few drinks! Absolutely splendid places and worth every penny!

Emma was friendly and professional. The food was fresh and delicious. The interior is festive and beyond the ordinary. Celebrate special occasions or a lovely date dinning experience.

My husband and I were finally able to snag a reservation at North of Bourbon for our anniversary. It was beyond worth the wait! Upon arrival, we were given complimentary champagne to celebrate our anniversary. That set the tone for the remainder of the meal. Everything was absolutely delicious and the staff was amazing. I’m not sure I can recommend this restaurant enough!

From the moment we walked in, all the way through the service and dinner, this was an absolute five-star experience. We were in town for bourbon tours and celebrating a birthday. We had gone to a couple of restaurants that were recommended and they were all pretty good. However, this was exceptional. Not just the food and the service but the overall vibe in the establishment. Our server, Frankie, was awesome, He explained the family style servings in detail and was ever present whenever we needed him but still gave us space so that we can enjoy the moment. Eric, the owner came by a few times to make sure that we had everything we needed and also made some really great recommendations. They have a phenomenal selection of bourbon and an extremely well stocked bar. If you're looking for just a great night out or seriously good food with friends, I'd highly recommend this restaurant.

North of Bourbon is one of those restaurants that feels deeply rooted in place—thoughtfully Southern with an unmistakable Kentucky soul. The dining room is cozy and intimate, with some of the coolest seating I’ve seen: custom-built booths styled like bourbon barrels. We didn’t have a reservation, but they fit us in at a communal table, and we still had plenty of space to enjoy the meal. Service was exceptional—friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu and drinks. Right from the start, we were welcomed with complimentary boiled peanuts, which set a charming, Southern tone. Cocktails were a standout: I ordered the Get Buttered, made with browned-butter-washed Wild Turkey 101, which had a warm, nutty complexity. Another table favorite was the Whip Whip, Hooray!, which had pineapple, rum, and just the right amount of sweetness. We shared a range of dishes, all meant for sharing. The Buttermilk Salad was a fresh, crisp starter, topped with grated egg and a creamy dressing. Peppered Catfish Nuggets had a perfect cornmeal crunch and came with a bold tiger sauce. The Crispy Andouille sausage on rye with pimento beer cheese was the kind of hearty bite that screams “Southern bar food” in the best way. The more substantial plates really impressed: Crab Rice Dressing with jalapeño-basil cream was rich and fragrant; Duck Gumbo had layers of smoky, deep flavor from the chocolate roux; and the Rabbit Blanquette was tender and comforting, almost like a rustic French stew. We finished with the Seafood Scampi, which featured housemade pasta and a buttery, perfectly balanced sauce with shrimp and scallops. Everything felt carefully considered and full of personality. North of Bourbon lives up to its growing reputation—definitely worth a reservation next time.

Food is always great. We come here everytime we visit Louisville. Bourbon prices have gone up quite a bit but I am still OK with it. Service is always fantastic.

OMG I just had the best grits I'VE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE, man they were SOOOO GOOD! The catfish nuggets were also amazing, beautiful presentation, and the bourbon selection is what you would come to expect from a place called North of bourbon, sipped on a 10 year Pappy! If I lived here I would be here once a week easlily, coming back tomorrow NO DOUBT!!!

The space is very inviting yet intimate. Food was nothing less of exceptional. Every dish my family ate was delicious. It kinda felt like we were some place else other than Louisville. Definitely coming back and becoming a regular. They got me hooked. Staff was very friendly and met the owner. He was very nice and wished us a Happy Anniversary. Waitress Jessica was very friendly and gave great recommendations on the menu. They even have vegan friendly options. 5 stars all around!!! This restaurant definitely brought the New Orleans taste to Louisville.

One of my all time favorites! We were greeted by a very friendly and personable manager at our server was excellent. I cannot say enough about the setting of this establishment. Absolutely stunning! The selection of Bourbons is unbelievably amazing. Our drinks were excellent and somehow or food was even better! It is a small establishment also, reservations are encouraged if not required. We will be back again when we are in the area! Cheers!

Went here to celebrate a birthday and we were not disappointed. Some of the booths are like sitting inside a large bourbon cask. Our server was very personable and helpful, explaining the menu, and how much food we should order. Boiled peanuts were served like some places bring bread to the table. We got a variety of dishes. The standouts for me were the crab fondue and the grilled pork collar. The pork was cooked perfectly and paired well with the blueberry barbecue sauce. They had a variety of house versions of old fashioned and we enjoyed both we tried. The place was very intimate, I recommend reservations.

I heard many good things about this restaurant but delayed my visit for some reason. Boy, do I regret that. Everything was amazing and delicious. The atmosphere is modernt but yet has a rustic feel. We were seated by the owner who gave us a quick history of his concept. We appreciated the background and it set us up for our meal. I had the BEST Catfish I have ever had. The Frozen Bourbon Coffee was INSANE & My Shrimp and Grits? Perfection! The complimentary boiled peanuts (which I've never had) only enhanced the meal. Our sever was attentive and very personable. Can't wait to go back.

This place was amazing in every aspect! The atmosphere was so cool with the bourbon barrel booths. The service was phenomenal, one of the best I’ve ever experienced. We sat at the bar and the bartender, Brody was so friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Now onto the food- we ordered a lot off the menu so that we could sample it all. The Gumbo was great, the potato salad was really good, creamy and a little tangy. The catfish nuggets have the best flavor breading. And the potatoes were crunchy on the outside and really creamy on the inside. Surprisingly the my friend and I both agreed the best thing we ordered was the wedge salad! It was fresh, flavorful and had an amazing green goddess dressing. For drinks we did the paper airplane it was delicious, and we were intrigued by the big red slushy drink it was like desert in a cup. If you’re at all contemplating eating here, go! You won’t be disappointed.

We loved our first time at North of Bourbon. Our lunch was spot on. The Shrimp Poboy was truly authentic with a great baguette, crispy shrimp, dressed and delicious. The Smoked Chicken salad was very good and the Mac n Cheese hot and cheesy! The bartender was excellent and offering a special drink each day until Christmas. The favorites will find a spot on the next menu. To conclude; delicious food, great service, wonderful ambiance and a large selection of Bourbon. What more could you want?

This place takes me straight to “The Quarters”…the food, drink & dessert was kissed by the Chef! I had the Peppered Catfish Nuggets…perfectly crispy & drizzled with a sweetened & tangy sauce w/a side of Dukes aioli. I enjoyed it with a side of Curry Coconut corn, sooooo delicious. Tried the watermelon salad it was refreshing. Now, for dessert, I had the Creole Cream Cheesecake & it was an absolute BANGERS! Topped with and warm sauce with hazelnuts…Soul was filled 💯 If you’re in or near the Louisville KY area…run don’t walk to NORTH OF BOURBON for a home cooked meal 💯🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

Top tier brunch spot. Great cocktails and great food. The fried quail was so good and enough food for two meals. The staff was really attentive without being overbearing. Will definitely be coming back here

We had this place on our weekend itinerary for visiting Louisville. We loved it so much we came back a day later! Everything about this spot has been carefully and wonderfully planned. The small space is well designed and maximizes the interior without sacrificing quality. The staff is amazing and the owners are there to share their passion for low country food and crafted cocktails. The food is awesome and the drinks are as well. We'll be back again and again. This is my new go to place when I come up from Etown.

Outstanding cocktails and great food. Cajun influenced but feels like it's own thing. The sauce with the boudin balls was delicious as was the pork chop. The staff were very courteous. It's pricey but feels like a good value at the same time. Highly recommend.

I want to thank Daniel for getting us in on a early Saturday night dinner because we've got to make reservations. Next time. First, the bourbon is so many choices. Four pappies to choose from if you like that brand. I had the 18-year knob Creek which was excellent and the 12-year Elijah Craig, which was delicious and smooth.. food was outstanding with sea bass. The vegetable hash is excellent with peas and carrots. The potato tala is good. One of the best restaurants in Louisville.

We visit every single time we are in town - The food is always insanely good, the atmosphere is energetic and cozy and the bourbon selection is outstanding. They always have a bourbon of the day and it's frequently a high level allocated item which I appreciate

Really enjoyed the food, drink, service and atmosphere here! Great cocktail options. Plenty of dinner specials. Our server was really great. I guess the Barrel Booths require larger parties, so maybe next time!

What an amazing experience. My wife and I are from NOLA and whenever we see places claim to serve authentic New Orleans food we are skeptical. However this place delivered. The staff was friendly and the joint had a warm inviting vibe. Shout out to Emma and Jack who were friendly and just genuinely great people.

We had an incredible experience at North of Bourbon! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. The staff were wonderful—friendly, attentive, and truly made us feel welcome. The food was absolutely excellent, full of flavor and beautifully prepared. The drinks were just as impressive, perfectly crafted and full of character. It’s the kind of place you can’t wait to visit again. Highly recommend North of Bourbon to anyone looking for a great meal and a great time in Louisville!

My husband and I visited North of Bourbon during a quick weekend trip to Louisville. It was excellent! We sat at the bar, and Phil provided great service and friendly conversation. The drinks were delightful and the food was both beautiful and full of complimentary flavors that provided a unique and delicious meal. We would recommend this place to anyone looking for a tasty dining experience with local flare. Thank you for making our anniversary dinner special, North of Bourbon!

North of Bournbon is my new favorite place in Lexington. The food was excellent. They have many unique amd excellent drinks. It was a lot of fun to sit in a burboun barrell! The staff are friendly and very helpful. This will definitely become one of our regular stops on the annual burboun trail trip!

Easily our favorite restaurant. This is the place we bring out of town guests to show off Louisville. Eric and his team never disappoint. The hospitality, cocktails, and food always provide for the best dining experience anyone could ask for. We feel lucky to join them every time.

Had lunch there and sat in one of the cozy barrel booths. Great atmosphere, the staff, particularly our server was very friendly and attentive. My friend and I both had sandwiches and a glass of wine. I chose the muffuletta sandwich which I was excited about as I have eaten the ones from the Central Grocery in New Orleans, which is where the sandwich was created. Word of caution....the sandwich is served on a seeded bun and served warm which is not the traditional/original way of serving a muffuletta, but it was very good, nonetheless! I am looking forward to making dinner reservations for my husband and I because of the atmosphere, service and amazing menu options!

It’s been a couple of months since my visit, but I had an awesome experience. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The details are there from the engraved ice cubes to the home made pickles. And the (no longer on the menu) French onion burger is absolutely in my top 5 burgers of all time. I shared the crawfish pasta too, and it hit the spot as well. *chef’s kiss* to this experience.

A very interesting restaurant. The "bourbon" refers to both the drink and Bourbon St. They have great Cajun dishes but other food that are not so spicy. The table are in large barrels. Everything was great.

Wow, from the food to the drinks this place delivers! I've been here twice trying different menu items and have been blow away both times. I've tried 2 New Orleans inspired dishes and both were better than anything I've ever gotten in the NO! First was a Red Snapper over rice with a crawfish gravy with collards; then a fried chicken thigh gumbo over rice, both amazing! The drinks are top tier, very creative with many to choose from. With good vibes and service to match this has to be one of the top restaurants in Louisville, definitely worth checking out!

In town for a tradeshow and opted to try this place after hearing wonderful things on Reddit and beyond. When I tell you, this place offers a symphony of flavor in every dish. From the complementary creole boiled peanuts to the moist yet crispy fried chicken in the heavenly gumbo to the effusive and herbaceous crab fried rice, you seriously can’t go wrong here. I’m already looking forward to coming back and have earmarked this place for future visits. I’m not sure if anyone will see this review but the service was stellar, the drinks were innovative and Delicious, the food had to be some of the best bites I’ve had in a while. I’ll be back for sure.

It was my birthday dinner and their service was some of the best I've gotten in the states. The (rotating) oysters were a bit too sweet for our tastes, but we enjoyed the previous version. I forgot to order my Perloo without cilantro (I was unlucky in the gene pool) and when he noticed I was picking it out he fired up a new one for me without asking - so incredibly kind of them. Their dessert was delicious as well. Highly recommend!

First time to Louisville. We had to book this place 2 weeks in advance. I feel like this is more of an avant garde style of Southern food. I really enjoyed the many selections of whiskey flights. Duck gumbo was definitely “different” than the usual Southern gumbo you would get. The jalapeño poppers were delicious. So were the catfish nuggets.

This is a cute spot with New Orleans inspired food. I had the gumbo, I didn't really care for it, the roux was too dark and it needed some salt (but hey, I'm picky when it comes to gumbo). I did taste the pork chop, the shrimp and grits, and the potato salad which were all delicious. That in house made cheesecake was also very good.

Decent meal. Decent drinks. Exceptional service. My expectations were a little bit high coming in due to the hype and reviews. And in all honesty, I was a little bit disappointed. The table that we were seated at felt like we were placed in a time out corner. The bench was worn down and it felt like I was back in being in the kids table to say the least. It made it uncomfortable to get up to use the restroom without being too awkward to disturb the table next to us. The rest of the place seemed warm and inviting outside of the little corner that we were assigned in. I would highly recommend to either do high top bar of a better seating and have it down to just 2 people in that corner rather than the existing table that can potentially and uncomfortably fit 4 people in. Service was great. Friendly staff and just the right amount of check-ins. Food..we got what was recommended and really nothing to boast about. My dish was a bit salty but bearable. However for the price of what we got I'm definitely not impressed.

I enjoyed my visit and the food was good. I question shareable sides because the carlard greens was a portion just enough for 1 adult. I can't say the service was bad it just was a little non existent. Our waiter after taking our order didn't return until after our sides came and the he informed us the food would be out in a few minutes which was great. After the food arrived he didn't come back. We ate, finished, waited, waited and finally I asked the manager for the check. All and all I was pleased with the food.

Update - I would like to address the response from management. I never called your establishment. I did my reservation through open table online. So there was NO conversation with you all about being full and I certainly did no decline anything over the phone. I never spoke to you all over the phone. I did pick outdoor seating online, but what we experience as your outdoor dining was not what I expected from a top 50 restaurant . My husband and I decided to celebrate our anniversary at this restaurant. I made a reservation, which was for outdoor seating. I was thankful for this because indoors was very cramped and loud. We were seated at a table on the sidewalk. At first, the weather felt great. As the night went on, and the Sun set It got a little chilly and very dark. I recommend the restaurant get better lighting for outdoor patrons. Where the table was on the sidewalk We had around 30 joggers having to dodge our table while they were running And using the sidewalk. The house next-door to the restaurant seem to be undergoing renovations, and we had to listen to a Wood saw for the first half of our meal. The manager in our server were lovely people. They seemed overwhelmed and shortstaffed. When we were initially seated, we were told about a complementary champagne toast to celebrate our anniversary. Unfortunately, that never came and I decided to ask about it when we received our check. Asking The champagne but at this point, our meal was over and we were ready to go home. My husband had the braised rabbit which he loved. I had some sort of shrimp special for the day and was very underwhelmed. The shrimp were tiny, popcorn, shrimp pieces, and seemed like something Olive Garden would serve. The boudin balls were great and I loved the sauce. The cheesecake was odd and lumpy, Not sure if we got a bad batch. Once seated, it took around 40 minutes to get our initial cocktails. About an hour, we received our appetizer. And then around the Mark, we received our entrées. At this point, we were very eager for our cheesecake. I had really high hopes And maybe we were here on a bad night but unfortunately, I do not see us returning.