If you’re looking for something upscale in Louisville, Bourbons Bistro is a great choice.   If you’re a bourbon enthusiast and want to have a taste of the many liquors Kentucky offers, you’ve come to the right place.  Their bar caused me to just stop and stare for a few moments as I looked at all of the bottles on the wall.  Their food and service put them on the list for special occasions.

Bourbons Bistro is centrally located on Frankfurt Avenue.  Getting to it is not difficult, but it’s not right off the expressway, so budget your time accordingly.  From the fairgrounds, it’s easily a thirty minute drive, especially during busy times of day.  Parking is also something to consider when you go.  I had to park about a block up the street, but after the meal I had, the walk probably did me some good.  They take reservations, which is becoming rare in Louisville, and I suggest you take advantage of it.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is comfortable, but I’d feel out of place dressed in anything less than slacks and a button-down.  The service is excellent, and the staff was very helpful in making sure everyone in our party understood their orders and how they wanted them done.

The food was, to put it simply, outstanding.  We enjoyed most of their appetizer menu, with my favorite being the crab cakes and the spicy fried oysters.  For dinner, I had the shrimp and grits, and I’m not ashamed to say that my plate went back clean.  My dinner companions also enjoyed the pork chop, the filet au poivre, and the Bourbon’s Burger, and I heard no complaints.  By the way, I consider it the best compliment to a restaurant for all conversation to stop when the food comes, because everyone’s mouth is too full to talk.  For dessert, I enjoyed the bourbon bread pudding, while someone else had the bourbon balls.  Both were well received, as was the excellent coffee.

Bourbon’s Bistro is not an inexpensive night out, so budget accordingly.  Dinner for two could easily cost over one hundred dollars, but you’re paying for quality and outstanding service.

Overall, if you’re looking for something a few levels above the normal dining experience in Louisville, Bourbons Bistro should be on your short list.