Decca: Oh! Oh! Yes!!!

We're going tonight - I can't wait!

We're also going tonight - early reservation!

[Robin Garr]

Enjoyed Decca quite a bit. Proof never entered my mind so I guess that comparison is lost on me - one being a hotel restaurant and the other having a more neighborhood bar scene vibe.

Returning to this belatedly, I agree that Proof is IN a hotel, but somehow the notion of it being a "hotel restaurant" never occurred to me. In my mind, "hotel restaurant" implies a place that isn't really a destination but exists primarily to serve people staying in the hotel overnight. To my way of thinking, Proof fits this model even less well than the Oakroom or the English Grill, which are destinations also, not mere hotel eateries; but in those cases they are somewhat more beholden to the corporate parent for budget, etc.

Take away the hotel connection and I see a lot more that unites the two places than divides them. Artfully renovated older buildings, upscale and not inexpensive fare, exceptionally classy lounges, creative and interesting menus of well-crafted cuisine, and each brought a certain sensibility from a major city - Proof with its original New York producers; Decca with its San Francisco heritage. Both go beyond hipster to attract an audience of all ages. And both seem to have what it takes to be recognized as "anchor" restaurants for their part of downtown.

I've never thought of Proof as a hotel bar, either, and I've been there many times. It may just barely meet the definition, based on other hotel bars I've eaten at. But I guess someone from out of town might think so.

Enjoyed Decca quite a bit. Proof never entered my mind so I guess that comparison is lost on me - one being a hotel restaurant and the other having a more neighborhood bar scene vibe.

Returning to this belatedly, I agree that Proof is IN a hotel, but somehow the notion of it being a "hotel restaurant" never occurred to me. In my mind, "hotel restaurant" implies a place that isn't really a destination but exists primarily to serve people staying in the hotel overnight. To my way of thinking, Proof fits this model even less well than the Oakroom or the English Grill, which are destinations also, not mere hotel eateries; but in those cases they are somewhat more beholden to the corporate parent for budget, etc.

Take away the hotel connection and I see a lot more that unites the two places than divides them. Artfully renovated older buildings, upscale and not inexpensive fare, exceptionally classy lounges, creative and interesting menus of well-crafted cuisine, and each brought a certain sensibility from a major city - Proof with its original New York producers; Decca with its San Francisco heritage. Both go beyond hipster to attract an audience of all ages. And both seem to have what it takes to be recognized as "anchor" restaurants for their part of downtown.

I guess to me Decca has more in common with it's neighborhood competition than it does with Proof - not that it's a big deal I just didn't understand the "connection".

since i work at both proof and decca, this makes me smile! i get it. i am drawn to these restaurants for similar reasons... both present a contemporary artistic atmosphere with an underlying warmth. the focus on seeking out the best ingredients, products, spirits... etc. is definitely a guiding principle in each place. i like the idea of them both anchoring downtown!

[Robin Garr]

since i work at both proof and decca, this makes me smile! i get it. i am drawn to these restaurants for similar reasons... both present a contemporary artistic atmosphere with an underlying warmth. the focus on seeking out the best ingredients, products, spirits... etc. is definitely a guiding principle in each place. i like the idea of them both anchoring downtown!

Heh. I was pretty sure I was onto something here, Krista. Our group of four at Decca picked up on the vibe right away.

since i work at both proof and decca, this makes me smile! i get it. i am drawn to these restaurants for similar reasons... both present a contemporary artistic atmosphere with an underlying warmth. the focus on seeking out the best ingredients, products, spirits... etc. is definitely a guiding principle in each place. i like the idea of them both anchoring downtown!

So nice to see a cute pair of flip flops on the forum again! *hugs*

So nice to see a cute pair of flip flops on the forum again! *hugs*

and no cast or crutches this time, Jax! XO

As we haven't been to either Decca or Rye, I'm curious how the two restaurants compare, in terms of quality and overall experience.

As we haven't been to either Decca or Rye, I'm curious how the two restaurants compare, in terms of quality and overall experience.

We just went to Decca on Wednesday, and while I like Rye, I have to say that in my opinion Decca is superior. I'd give Decca the slight edge on cocktails based on our sampling and the menu, a noticeable edge on food, and a significant edge on the facility. The dining rooms are of a similar size, and Rye's separate bar area is nice, but Decca wins with its two outside dining areas and the downstairs lounge. We found Decca's dining room to be simple but beautiful. I'd rate them about even on service, as our service at both spots was great.

None of this is meant to be a dig at Rye. We really like it. It's just that our meal at Decca was, truly, the best meal we've had a in a long, long time. Just flawless and truly unlike anything else in the city.

As we haven't been to either Decca or Rye, I'm curious how the two restaurants compare, in terms of quality and overall experience.

We just went to Decca on Wednesday, and while I like Rye, I have to say that in my opinion Decca is superior. I'd give Decca the slight edge on cocktails based on our sampling and the menu, a noticeable edge on food, and a significant edge on the facility. The dining rooms are of a similar size, and Rye's separate bar area is nice, but Decca wins with its two outside dining areas and the downstairs lounge. We found Decca's dining room to be simple but beautiful. I'd rate them about even on service, as our service at both spots was great.

None of this is meant to be a dig at Rye. We really like it. It's just that our meal at Decca was, truly, the best meal we've had a in a long, long time. Just flawless and truly unlike anything else in the city.

My experience has been just the opposite and that's not a dig at Decca - I just think Rye's approach to food is almost unparalleled in Louisville right now. That's based on about 6 visits to Rye and 2 to Decca. Really you can't go wrong either way and you'll be depriving yourself not to visit both ASAP.

Thank you both for the support of Rye!

As owner of Rye I am bias; but Decca is an amazing restaurant and they push us to do better everyday!

Thank you both for the support of Rye!

As owner of Rye I am bias; but Decca is an amazing restaurant and they push us to do better everyday!

reservations on open table! pleeeeeze!

going to decca for the first time tonight. havn't been this excited about a new restaurant in a long time, but the hotbytes hype machine has me stoked!!! recommendations?