J Graham's Cafe

I finally had the opportunity to eat at J. Graham's Cafe at the Brown Hotel. I have always wanted to try a Hot Brown sandwich and it did not disappoint! The cafe was old school but the ambiance was elegant and refined. Our servers were very attentive and were a delight! The Hot Brown sandwich (and I had the petite) was so delicious! The sauce was so cheesy and creamy. The turkey was moist and tasty! The sandwich was so good and filling. I also had their Old Fashioned! OMG! It was so good!! I am so delighted that I was able to experience this sandwich and restaurant during my stay in Louisville!

It has become my new tourist stop to take friends and family when visiting Louisville. They want to know about the local cuisine - and while the city has so many delicious options - this is the best spot to take them for the Hot Brown. The classic atmosphere, attentive staff and delicious food give them a moment to taste something solid and southern.

A gem of American history, this restaurant located in the Brown Hotel is dripping in distinguished southern design and culture. While eating here I was imagining the likes of Frank Sinatra, the prime ministers of foreign countries and other fixtures of American life eating here at one point. The main reason I came to this cafe was to try one of the legendary dishes of America invented and found only here in Louisville, the hot brown. It was rich, the turkey was deliciously cooked and the creamy, cheesy sauce was packed with flavors of garlic, Parmesan, etc. with the hot brown skillet comes a grilled juicy tomato, and a strip of juicy bacon.

I went to the restaurant for my birthday. I wanted to try the hot brown from its inventors. I have to say that it was made from the best turkey. I believe that is what made it a standout along with the toast it sat upon. The toast was crunchy and not soggy like most people’s knockoffs.
I was given a great chocolate dessert also.

All over Kentucky, you see many different variations of The Hot Brown. I had to take a trip to Louisville to visit the place where it all started back in 1926, at The Brown Hotel. The Hot Brown is a Louisville tradition. Roasted turkey breast, toast points, creamy mornay sauce, pecorino romano cheese, baked golden brown finished with bacon and tomatoes. Very unique, completely delicious, hearty and filling! Each bite was a joy and served as lunch and dinner! The dinning area atmosphere is what I imagine it looked like back in 1926. Very old fashioned, yet elegant and classy.

Can't say enough good things about the food and atmosphere of the hotel and it's dining! The breakfast buffet has a wide selection, and everything I tried was delicious. And of course the famous original Hot Brown is not to be missed! However, be prepared to spend heavily for the experience as the quality and decor don't come cheap! But it's well worth the money to try it at least once!
PRO TIP: order the petite Hot Brown, not the full size. There's such a thing as too much of a good thing, and the 'petite' might still be more than you can handle!

The food was phenomenal. The presentation of the area is gorgeous. The prices were reasonable. It is very much "come as you are". I was dressed in a hoodie and jeans and treated like a celebrity. Angela was our waitress and was lovely. After our meal we were greeted by Mrs. Sue W. She gave us some background on the hotel and gave us a private tour. Showed us some very beautiful parts of the building. Definitely my favorite trip I've taken in a long time.

I had to come to the Brown to try the ORIGINAL Hot Brown. It was amazing! the service was great (Andres from Ecuador was an absolute gem!) I was told it would take around 20 minutes for the dish to be ready.. it came in something like 7 minutes. piping hot and oh so yummy. Andres suggested a white wine to pair with it, and he was spot-on. the location and restaurant decor was like going back i time.. a great experience.

Many people might find the buffet to be a bit pricey but I found it to be well worth the price. The quality of food was great. Service was equally good. Will not hesitate to stop again when in Louisville.

My favorite brunch/breakfast spot or at least in top 2-3 for Louisville! First, this is at the first floor of The Brown Hotel and they are famous for having the best hot browns in Louisville (maybe in USA). Our friend was the only one to order it at our table and he was not disappointed! Additionally, the restaurant has a brunch/breakfast buffet. The buffet was amazing, they had beef, salmon, bacon, sausage, salad, rolls, multiple sweets (pastries, cakes, etc.), fruit cups, smoothies, and a make an omelet station manned by an employee. The buffet was a little expensive (around 30 dollars) however for the food you get its worth ever penny! Also, it was one of our party members birthday and they brought out some type of chocolate cake that was lit on fire with the alcohol placed on top (video below). I'm not sure if they rotate what is on the buffet but I would still recommend a visit!

It’s not often you get to stay and eat at such a historic place. But if you’re going to Louisville, you definitely have to, at least, eat the original Hot Brown at the Brown hotel. Everything was perfect here, Professional people making amazing food and serving it up top-notch. Next time I’m in Louisville I’ll definitely be going back for more!

Came in to try their HOT 🔥 BROWN and it did not disappoint!!! Service was friendly & food was great. Our server Robyn was fantastic. She took the time to recommend plate sizes since we came in with children and it was our first time at the restaurant. We appreciated that! Our bus girl was also very accomodating. Love them BOTH! Totally Recommend this place! 👍👍

The hot brown is a must try especially at the historic Brown Hotel! I've got the petite hot brown and derby pie all for just under $30. Derby pie is sweet and the petite brown is interesting to say the least. Tip: make sure the hot brown cools off a little bit or you might burn yourself from the cheese. That said, service is amazing! Kat, my server, was a joy to have and ensured everything was done properly.

First time experience dining at the cafe. I must say from the time we arrived, I was very much impressed with the valet service. Paul greeted us with the most exuberant manner and had us laughing all the way inside the cafe. Our server Margaret was wonderful with her beautiful smile and friendliness. We were served in a very timely fashion. While we were there, we were checked on frequently by several other servers. Chris, in sales, made an appearance and made sure everything was ok with us. We had ordered the buffet which was plentiful...everything that we tried on it was amazing!!! The chicken was to die for, the steak was tender and very flavorful, the broccoli/cauliflower mixture was amazing, the potato salad had so much flavor to it. And the panna cotta with strawberries was incredible. The creme brulee (for dessert) was out of this world. We highly recommend going there and experiencing it. We stayed a couple of hours, it was such a pleasant atmosphere!! We really felt like we were treated like "royalty." 😉😁 On a scale from 1-5, I have to say 10!!! Thanks to everyone for the wonderful service and experience!!

No pic of the Hot Brown..but it was. Delicious!!!!

J Graham Café offers the best brunch in Louisville by far. The pastries are delicate and the biscuits and gravy are the best you will have anywhere. My recommendation is to enjoy with a mimosa if time permits. A reservation would be preferable on the weekend although we were seated straight away without one. Excellent food!

Had an early lunch here on 06/21/24 with my brother and 2 nieces. The food was top notch quality & you couldn't ask for servers that were more attentive. Would recommend if you're in the area or just for a a great lunch!

Had the world famous Hot Brown for lunch, and it does not disappoint - fabulous! There are places that have a good hot brown, but this one is the best. Baked open-faced turkey with bacon and a delicate Mornay sauce that is so rich it's like comfort food meets soul food. The Hot Brown is a Louisville culinary tradition and this is where it all started. It is hard to choose between the buffet which is 5 star and the hot brown, both exceptional. Come with an appetite for both and enjoy!

Outstanding customer service. I was able to park my car across the hotel beneath the valet parking sign for brunch and it was great from start to finish. Even though I am a Louisville native I have never had a hot brown at the Brown hotel & when my date suggested we should, we were NOT disappointed. If anything this is where I will bring my out of state pals to if they are interested in sampling one of Louisville's finest.

Wow.. amazing. I'm jealous of KY friends..