Proof and Downtown

Last night, after a concert at the Kentucky Center, we dropped by Proof for some cocktails and a bite. The crowd was so strikingly beautiful, that I felt like a cyclopic gnome. The patrician couple to my right were such a correct facsimile of the Kentucky horsey set that I felt I was atavistically back on Ellis Island trying to be admitted to the shores of America. The group to my left were incredibly good looking and appeared to be models for a GQ or Vogue shoot. I almost asked for a bag to put over my head as I knew the "cool" factor of Proof was diminishing as long as I sat at the bar. The conversations I over heard were quite urbane, intellectual, and interesting. I knew better then to interrupt anyone with my usual non-sensical, drunken dribble. My question is this: Where else do these people go in Louisville other then Proof? I have not seen them anywhere else! I have asked this question repeatedly and have not received an answer that will absolve my curiosity.

As to Proof, I just love this place. The people working at what could be a ludicrously pretentious bastion of superficiality, are warm, friendly and accommodating. Brooks, the GM, is a great guy. The bartenders remember you, greet you with a smile, and know just what you drink. Proof also carries a multitude of great liquor ranging from Russian Standard Vodka to a great assortment of aged Rum. The food is always very good and if you get Ryan as a server, you may make a friend for life. I wish other stylish and hip places around the country can be as warmly enveloping as Proof.

Now to another question:

We are heading to the Kentucky Center for another concert tonight. Are there any other places besides Proof to have a drink and a bite downtown after a concert besides "Fourth Street Morte?" Thanks. Phil

I've yet to dine at "Proof", but judging by your description I suspect that I would be unceremoniously turned away at the door....it's reputed to be a very special place....while I'm sure that posters who live in or near Central Louisville can suggest a variety of downtown spots for a late drink or bite, don't overlook some of the more outlying locations where you can stop off enroute home...I don't know where you're living at present, but places like Jack Fry's, Bristol and a host of others are usually open late on weekends and (from personal experience) are great options for a nightcap or light meal following a movie, concert, etc...

Phil,
Getting off the food path, but by chance did you atttend the Violins and Voodoo concert? Wasn't it incredible??

Please resume the normal food chat.

Leah, I saw that concert Thursday morning and thought it was without a doubt the best orchestra concert that I have ever attended. I called Carla at the LO office and told her the same. I also told her that I would like DBR to play with the LO once every year, but I would settle for every other year!

Last night, after a concert at the Kentucky Center, we dropped by Proof for some cocktails and a bite. The crowd was so strikingly beautiful, that I felt like a cyclopic gnome. The patrician couple to my right were such a correct facsimile of the Kentucky horsey set that I felt I was atavistically back on Ellis Island trying to be admitted to the shores of America. The group to my left were incredibly good looking and appeared to be models for a GQ or Vogue shoot. I almost asked for a bag to put over my head as I knew the "cool" factor of Proof was diminishing as long as I sat at the bar. The conversations I over heard were quite urbane, intellectual, and interesting. I knew better then to interrupt anyone with my usual non-sensical, drunken dribble. My question is this: Where else do these people go in Louisville other then Proof? I have not seen them anywhere else! I have asked this question repeatedly and have not received an answer that will absolve my curiosity.

As to Proof, I just love this place. The people working at what could be a ludicrously pretentious bastion of superficiality, are warm, friendly and accommodating. Brooks, the GM, is a great guy. The bartenders remember you, greet you with a smile, and know just what you drink. Proof also carries a multitude of great liquor ranging from Russian Standard Vodka to a great assortment of aged Rum. The food is always very good and if you get Ryan as a server, you may make a friend for life. I wish other stylish and hip places around the country can be as warmly enveloping as Proof.

Now to another question:

We are heading to the Kentucky Center for another concert tonight. Are there any other places besides Proof to have a drink and a bite downtown after a concert besides "Fourth Street Morte?" Thanks. Phil

Well, you are vague about what age you are looking for? Prime Lounge on a Wednesday night for 5 dollar wine night. Or any good Saturday night there. I think Ramsi's and Bristol in the Highlands have this kind of crowd, but a more "downscale" vibe. Depending on the weekend, the "Bar at Blu" at the downtown Marriot will have this crowd. Check it often depending on what is happening in town convention wise. For an older version of this crowd, try late night at Jeff Ruby's on Main. I imagine you will also really like Z's Fusion. Phil, it sounds like you have been in Louisville long enough to know that there is more to downtown than fourth street live (although I do admit that Makers Mark Lounge has quite a sexy and sophisticated vibe on many weekend nights, especially when it gets warmer during wedding season. Also, the VIP section at Hotel nightclub can be fun, and you can contact Ellen Hagans, who was in Velocity this week). For a nice and sexy crowd that is older, try Brendan's in St Matthews on a Friday or Saturday. Also, Asiatique's Lounge "A" has that late night small plates menu and chic feel you want. North End Cafe will occasionally do late nights with house djs and turntablism, and very good looking people. You may even enjoy some of the gay clubs which are straight friendly like Connection and Fuzion. I saw on another thread you are from NYC, and I am sure you are not expecting that kind of culture out of Louisville, but I sure can tell you its better than anywhere in Wisconsin, Madison and Milwaukee included.

Jack's Lounge in St. Matthews

Jack's Lounge in St. Matthews

Definitely agree, it's certainly one of our favorite places to go after a show. Is quite convenient to get to and from no matter where you live.

Phil, you absolutely must visit the Old Seelbach bar. You can read all about the history and lore online and elsewhere. Do some exploring while you're there. Also, the bar at the Brown Hotel is great, too. The atmosphere at both of these old downtown hotels is second to none, and the crowds there are always interesting. They have live jazz at the Seelbach, as well, as an added bonus.

Yup - Dick Sisto (vibes, piano) has been anchoring the house group there for years. Usually starts at 10PM on Friday and Saturday. It's amazing the number of big name folks that Dick gets to sit in with him throughout the year. Don't discount hearing just Dick with a bass player and maybe a drummer - he's a marvelous musician in his own right.

Yup - Dick Sisto (vibes, piano) has been anchoring the house group there for years. Usually starts at 10PM on Friday and Saturday. It's amazing the number of big name folks that Dick gets to sit in with him throughout the year. Don't discount hearing just Dick with a bass player and maybe a drummer - he's a marvelous musician in his own right.

They're great - you pretty much feel cool just sitting there listening to them. And it's dark in there, so even if you aren't part of the glitterati, no one will notice.

The bar at Jeff Ruby's may fit the bill.

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Just more support for the Seelbach bar (Sisto, yeah! and they take requests, AND, if you can bear the carpet, you can dance too). Also the Brown hotel bar is a great space. And Jeff Ruby's, where you can also dance a bit too once it's much later in the evening and the crowds are diminishing. And of course Jack's lounge.

Proof also carries a multitude of great liquor ranging from Russian Standard Vodka to a great assortment of aged Rum.

I was just browsing and saw your mention of Russian Standard Vodka. I actually moved to the NYC area to work for the brand. It made my day to see that some people have caught on to unsurpassed quality in my old home.

For those who don't know of the brand, it is written in Cyrillic, the alphabet for the Russian language. At a price comparable to Absolut and Stolichnaya, I encourage interested people to taste it against their favorite vodka.

I'm sure Proof is making some great cocktails with fresh ingredients as well. I hope to see Louisville again in early May!!!

I have never had the same experience as the OP. I am sure he is reporting factually, but I am a simple man and have always felt very at home at Proof, 21C and the whole experience. I have dined there for both lunch and dinner. I love the bar. Make sure to acquaint yourself with Randy.