The soft lifestyle is animated and well in the ‘ Ville , what with our penchant for sawbuck racing , liberal - flow Bourbon dynasty , and plenty of artisanal pork products to go around . So I suppose it should total as no surprisal to anyone that our unofficial urban center dish , the Hot Brown , is consanguine to a lesson in gula . Not that there ’s anything incorrect with knock Republic of Turkey go down atop pledge and covered with a cheesy Mornay sauce … then topped with tomatoes and slices of Baron Verulam , just before the intact knockout gets the broiler intervention . Over the years , a lot of restaurants have embraced this signature dishful ( so much so that the city ’s convention bureau developed theHot Brown Hop ) . To respect it , here are some of our preferent iterations .
The Brown Hotel
DowntownWhere intimately to protrude than with the Godhead of the over - the - top knockout our city came to love , The Brown Hotel ? The story begin in 1920 , when chef Fred Schmidt craft the Hot Brown for athirst hotel guests who would inundate the restaurant after a night of dancing , looking for a bite to rust . Chef Schmidt ensured that he ’d bid these classy reveler something filling , but with a touch of sophistication . The Hot Brown was an instant hit , and has been volunteer in each of The Brown Hotel ’s eating place ever since . Without question , it ’s the one against which all others are measured .
Wild Eggs
Multiple locationsThe serious phratry at Wild Eggs are known for their off - the - chart entrée creation ( just take a look at thoseStrawberry Tall Cakes ) , so the Hot Brown is a innate fit for the menu . This one comes in breakfast shape , and is dubbed the Kelsey " KY " Brown : all of the traditional trappings are on hand , and enhance by the summation of a absolutely fried egg on top . It ’s a luscious , albeit lenient , way to begin your day .
Bluegrass Brewing Co.
St. MatthewsThe BBC ’s menu has all the distinctive brewpub eats ( think : pretzel with beer Malva sylvestris and loaded nacho ) and then some . Therefore , the Hot Brown made for a meet match for the ever - rotating planetary house - made beer extend on hydrant . This one is tastefully traditional , with some cheddar jack cheese melted over the top , lend a spicy kick to this productive dish .
Bristol Bar & Grille
Multiple locationsGiven that Bristol is a Louisville classic , it ’s no shock absorber that its menu would boast a Hot Brown worth chisel on your diet . Slices of French bread serve as the fundament for this open - look sandwich of sorts , while knock turkey , crisp Roger Bacon , and love apple swim in a sea of house Mornay sauce and plenty of cheddar cheese . We favour to enjoy our Bristol Hot Brown at the original Highlands locating , particularly if a seat on the patio is free !
Village Anchor
AnchorageDubbed “ The Hotter Brown , ” this one , crafted by the creative culinary crew at the Village Anchor , is anything but average . Pulled roast wimp takes the place of turkey in this reading , and mingles with a rich sourdough stuffing and a cheddar - parmesan Mornay sauce . Candied bacon coronate this whimsical take on a classic , and adds a jot of gratifying to an otherwise emphatically savory beauty .
Sicilian’s Pizza & Pasta
business district and GlenmaryIs the unfeigned sign that a knockout has earned its street cred when it ’s translate to pizza form ? Well , if so , the Hot Brown has some serious cred . Sicilian Pizza & Pasta has crafted a pie ladened with all the distinctive supplement . The restaurant is recognise for hired man - tossed pizza , and the crust on this one is a delicious platform for the Sir Francis Bacon , tomato , and loads of cheese – all of which are part and parcel to a good Hot Brown . This shoes has been holding courtroom on quaternary St since 2008 , and will be opening the doors of its 2nd location in Glenmary Plaza this April !
The Café
DowntownLocals have been flocking to The Café for the tomato dill weed soup and homemade sandwiches since 1996 . But if you ’ve yet to attempt this take on the Hot Brown , you ’re missing out . This place keep with custom and serves it with all of the expected element . But it ’s the locating of the toast point on top that adds an edge to this version , as well as the ends of the bread crisping and crusting under the heat of the broiler . All of it offers an idealistic platform for inebriate up all of that gooey Mornay sauce .
Captain’s Quarters
ProspectAs soon as the Lord’s Day peeks through the clouds and begins to polish down on Louisville , the terrace at Captain ’s Quarters start to fill up up with thirsty locals itching to gaze out over the river . And being that sustentation is primal on these day - drinking weekends , the Hot Brown at this spot sure does the caper . The crew know not to mess up with a good thing , so this one is served as intended . The sum up panorama of both the lake and eclectic mix of Louisvillians only makes for an absolute fillip .
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Courtesy of Chris Witzke
Courtesy of The Brown Hotel
Wild Eggs
Sicilian’s Pizza and Pasta - Downtown on 4th
The Cafe
