Louisville Hot Browns

First off, I know this was mentioned awhile back, so I apologize if I'm rehashing. I ran a search, but only found stuff about the 'Brown Hotel' and their classic version.

...but, my mother is coming in town tonight, and requested we go somewhere "inexpensive", and that she is craving a Hot Brown.

I'd appreciate some suggestions for some other places around town that serve a good version of this Louisville classic.

Thanks!!

Jack's Lounge on Sears Ave in St. Mathews makes a darn fine hot brown. Not sure its on the summer menu so you may want to call ahead to be sure they can whip it up for you.

Maggie's on Taylorsville Road in Jtown has a tasty Hot Brown; they're pubby and relatively inexpensive. Maggie's version is served on marble rye, which I liked very much.

[Robin Garr]

Why not go to J. Graham's, the more downscale eatery in the Brown Hotel itself, and have the original Hot Brown in the hotel of its invention? Seems like a winner to me!

^ Wasn't really aware of that.

Do they have a normal menu as well? Reservations recommended?

Edit: Website says only open for breakfast & lunch, closing at 3pm. Oh well...

You may want to go to Lynn's Paradise cafe. I have always had great food there. I believe she has her own version of the hot brown on her dinner menu.

Well I think Lynns is the most decadent although probably the most expensive. I think Norma Jeans in Lagrange version is really good and not too bad on the wallet and the have most entrees in the 12-16 dollar range plus a good array of under 10 sandwiches with fresh fries and Captains Quarters has a good version as well although not much cheap on their menu and the food has become rather mediocre especially for the price.

We do a Baby Hot Brown as an app. It is still quite a good sized and a lot ladies order it for their entree

Goose Creek Diner has their version of the Hot Brown on the menu as a regular item.

Every Hot Brown at the Bristol that I've had has been pretty good.

I am in agreement with Robin. Take her down to the Brown and have the original Hot Brown at J. Graham's. I went there with some family last month and we had the best time. Please note that you can get a half order of the Hot Brown and it's still a lot of food.

This is what I posted about our dining experience:

I have some out of town folks in this week and they wanted to sample some local fare. Yesterday we went to Graham's Cafe at the Brown and all dined on the original Hot Brown. It had been a while since I actually had one at the Brown and I had forgotten how truly luscious it is. My 9 year old nephew even went as far as to say that after tasting one that his life is now complete. That was before he had the warmed Derby Pie with vanilla ice cream. Then his life was even more complete. I feel so privileged to live in a city with such a long and varied culinary culture that continues to grow and thrive and even expand what with the infusion of our friends from other nations. My folks will be in town all week and I will surely show them all the best we have to offer.

Something I found out is that you can get a half order of the Hot Brown. That is what my nephew had and it was really more than enough for him. My brother had to finish it off for him.

brown hotel hot brown.jpg

Jarfi's Bistro on Bardstown Road also has a great version of the Hot Brown. Highly recommended.

In the interest of full disclosure: I used to work there. But that also means I know whereof I speak.

The hubster had a Bristol Hot Brown Sunday night. He seemed happy with it. There were no leftovers.

I suppose there is no such thing as a bad hot brown but I prefer the original. After going back to the Brown last month I didn't realize the difference among all the various renditions and the original. Nothing wrong with the spinoffs, just the original is so much better.

After all, the Castro's did beat Bobby Flay in the throwdown.