J. Graham's Cafe

Wow, what an amazing Easter experience! I just have to give a huge shoutout to Chef Garry for delivering an unforgettable meal that reminded me of days past. And let's not forget about the incredible staff who went above and beyond to make our time there truly special. A special mention goes to Winnie, who took such great care of us and added that extra special touch to our experience. It was an absolute pleasure to have such a fantastic meal and service - We can't wait to do it all again!

This is a classic--and classy--restaurant. Let's get the key part out of the way. If you haven't had the original hot brown, clear your afternoon to allow a nap, and order one up for lunch. Toast topped with moist, delicious turkey, bathed in savory mornay sauce (think a cheesy bechamel, but not mac and cheese level cheese or anything), topped with crisp bacon and fresh sliced tomatoes, broiled to bubbly, browned perfection. If you can't scrap the whole afternoon, there is a "petite" version you might be able to walk off on the way back to the office I suppose.... And there are plenty of other sandwiches, salads, etc. to enjoy.

As noted this has a very classy ambiance. Very old school vibe, which is nice, but please don't think I'm saying it's pretentious or that you'll need a suit or evening dress to dine! Service is always top-notch.

Great place to dine.

This is for the weekend brunch buffet experience. I've missed their famous weekend brunch. I was very excited to come back to try it again. While the ambiance and service were still top-notch, I was left a bit disappointed with a few of the buffet offerings. The sirloin was beyond well done and tough; salmon was the same. There were no other seafood offerings. At $37.95pp and $10 each mimosa prices, I felt the value was not there. Also, once the buffet starts at noon on Saturday and Sunday, you can only choose the buffet or order the Hot Brown. No other menu items are available.
If you want old school glamor, impeccable service, and that original Hot Brown, then J. Graham Brown's Cafe is for you. But I don't think I will return for the brunch buffet.

We had a great lunch at J. Graham's at The Brown Hotel. I had seen the Hot Brown sandwich features on The Food Network and knew I wanted to try one for myself.
The sandwich is really tasty and really big. Layers of turkey and tomatoes are served open faced over perfectly toasted bread and then covered with an exceptional mornay sauce.
Three people at my table all ordered The Hot Brown and we were all completely happy with our decision.
Make time to look around The Brown Hotel as well. It has extensive amounts of charm, hospitality and history.

Good food, cute atmosphere, poor service.

We had a Hot Brown at the Lobby Bar on our first night and wanted to finish on one for the last lunch, so we came to J Graham's. While it somehow wasn't quite as good as upstairs, it was still what we wanted. Also, we tried the soup of the day, and it was a take on a mullagatawny that, while there wasn't much to it, had a delicious spice.

Service was extremely slow and just didn't have much awareness of our needs. Watching other tables, they had it worse and waited forever to even get to order.

I'd only recommend if you're in no rush and don't care as much about good service because it is pretty annoying.

First of all - let's talk about the "hot brown" -- you're going to pay about $30 for an open faced turkey sandwich with sauce. That's it. Don't buy into the hype.

My partner and I came here for breakfast as we were staying In the hotel. The hostess? 10/10 service and friendly service. The server? Angie. 3/10. Dry, and right to the point, no sense of hospitality. Same with the gentleman walking around filling waters/coffees. My experience is that if you look like you don't have money - you won't really be paid attention.

Stuffy ambiance. Older white men - that's all I'll say there.

THE FOOD though; despite everything else and my expectations was delicious and delightful. Pricey but average in the area we are in. I had the Belgian waffles and my love had the avocado toast.

Honestly won't come back because I'm cheap and don't like paying to be ignored.

this is a positively lovely place. The ambience is tough to beat. And the food is positively terrific. I've been happy with every visit I've made here and look forward to returning.

Where else can you get a Hot Brown for breakfast? I stayed at the hotel for a weekend and had breakfast or brunch everyday. Food is fantastic and service is top notch.

Omg! The food was AWESOME! The famous Hot Brown really is the go to meal here! This is their 100th anniversary of the Brown Hotel! Historic and beautiful. A must go to when visiting Louisville

First stop in Louisville had to be here. The Hot Brown was excellent as expected and the bread pudding was to die for. The cocktails were excellent! The servers were pleasant and efficient. What else can I say? You have to eat here when you are in town!