Proof On Main

Reviews 6

JA

Jason Mann

I visited Proof On Main with 4 other colleagues a few days ago and delayed my review so that I could process it all and write the review with all things considered. First, the food. The food was really good and the menu was very nice with plenty of options. We ordered many of the appetizers, we all ordered entrees and we ordered several desserts to share. We also ordered some wine, a couple of cocktails and some bourbon and none of these items were a letdown. The art in the building was very interesting and the bathrooms are a must see (I wont spoil it). So with all of these positives, why would I give it a 3 star rating? We called to make reservations, but they couldnt accommodate us and told us that theres plenty of seating in the lounge. When we arrived, we found out that the lounge was full, but then the staff led us to a couch, some wooden chairs and three very small, very short tables that looked like tree stumps. The tables were at the same level as your knees if you were sitting on the couch and if you were the unlucky one sitting in the wooden chairs, youll be bending over to get down to your food and youll be keeping your drinks on another wooden chair next too you, because there wont be room on the tree stumps if you have food too. In addition to this, dont expect ice in your water as they dont do this. You water is served lukewarm at best with no ice. I also had to cut my $51 steak with a butter knife because I had no steak knife nor was there staff around to ask for one. Now, if youre going to just hang out and have some drinks, the couches and tree stumps would be perfect, but for a dinner, I would highly recommend against it. Im not hard to please, Im really not, but when you drop $400 (with tip, not exaggerating at all), I believe you should not have to eat your food on tree stumps or in your lap. To make this review as fair as possible, I will say again, that the food was great and my colleagues felt that the food quality made up for the poor seating arrangements. I however, disagree and believe that you should be offered a real table when youre at a fine dining establishment.

---

JU

Justina Nadolson

What I liked: The server was excellent and attentive. The artwork in the section we sat in was interesting and contemporary. The ricotta cheese dip was excellent. The drinks are innovative and very good. What I didnt like: Unfortunately, most of the food. We got the KY bento box. Everything was over seasoned and over salted. The combination of 4 strongly flavored items (chicken sausage, collard greens, a bitter spring mix, and whole mustard seed potato salad) was too much and not well balanced. Im not a picky eater but I did not finish the food. In fairness, I do know someone else in my group who went to this restaurant this weekend and their food was apparently very good. Maybe I just caught them on a bad day. What I REALLY didnt like: Brought my 11-year-old daughter with me for lunch as we were going across the street to the science museum. This place was completely inappropriate unless you are the most liberal of parents. There were large pieces of pornography on the wall, full frontal nudity, in the other section. She saw it on the walls going back to the bathroom, as well as a completely nude woman (yes COMPLETELY nude) dancing in a video and 4 statues of naked children. They actually told us they were part of a museum hotel and saw my young one, but no warning as to WHAT kind of museum. She was (and still is) mortified and I was angry. At least put a warning somewhere!! In my opinion this place is inappropriate for children.

---

QU

Quannie Burwell

I have been here a couple of times for lunch and had no complaints! The staff was friendly, food was good and it came out quickly. So, when a friend decided to have her birthday dinner here I was stoked...... and was HORRIBLY disappointed. Although our server was very nice and helpful, he was the only person assigned to a table of 12. Getting our drinks took FOREVER but initially we werent too bothered since it was a Saturday night but after waiting for over an hour for our food, patience ran thin to non-existent. After an hour of waiting, we were told our food was coming out "now" and provided more bread for the table. Another 20 min goes by and no food.....we asked for the manager to see what was going on and unfortunately his attitude made us cancel our entire order and leave. He was the first person I encountered there that needs training in hospitality and customer service. My experience Sat. just made me not want to go here again. My suggestion.....go during lunch time....food is fabulous and you will really enjoy the atmosphere but if you are going for dinner....good luck...never again!

---

LE

Leisa Hammett

We loved Proof the first time we visited Louisville this year. We ate there for lunch. The second time we felt we were ripped off. It started with the question of did we want bottled water or tap water. (Let the ka-ching begin.) The fries were excellent and so was their salad. Had both last time. But the bison burger was tasteless and overcooked. I had to ask three times to get a glass of wine vs. a quartino, which was $18 and only a little more than the glass I did get and paid...$13 for. My companion had a bourbon and soda and a tiny vegetable dish and with my order, we paid $74. Dont go for dinner. Go for lunch and enjoy the decor and the wonderful art hotel attached to the restaurant. Contrast this to a delicious meal we had at Roots on Bardstown road the next night and the pocketbook experience was worlds apart and the service and food quality compatible. Proof though fun in atmospher is pricey. And, pretentious. Be forewarned.

---

BR

Brynn Miller

The interior is lovely and eclectic (no surprise since this is a 21C restaurant). I loved the original artwork and beautiful furnishings and fixtures in the dining rooms and bar area (think rustic meets modern industrial meets vintage chic). My friends loved the locally sourced bison burger. The seared octopus appetizer was interesting but could have used more flavor; same with the bone marrow (roasted bones appetizer). The charcuterie plate was excellent; Id definitely order it again. We had two different ports and the house gelato for our dessert course; these were all great. Service got slow, but the restaurant was very busy so this is understandable. Our server was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu.

---

AM

amy merrihue

Referred here by a trust worthy friend. In Louisville for 3 days and knew I needed to be somewhere such as this. AMAZING!! incredibly kind staff, great dining experience from the food, wine list, cocktails, atmosphere. I can get down with many of places but if youre going to appeal to the more modern higher level expectation standards of service, menu, and environment, get it right. Proof did it. On every level. Bar staff very attentive regardless of business. Informative and accommodating without being overbearing. Museum is fun, fantastic, alive, multi medium. Wish to god I stayed in the Hotel attached above. I await my return.

---

---