Once a year some friends and I go to Louisville, Kentucky, for a couple days for Wonderfest, a big sci-fi fantasy model contest. We try to get out of the hotel for dinner, and last year we ate at Lynn’s Paradise Cafe, where we became acquainted with the wonders of the Hot Brown (a heart attack on a plate if ever there was one).
We had been looking forward to introducing the two guys who didn’t make it last year to Lynn’s and the H.B. this year–but now Lynn’s is closed!
So, where else is there to eat in Louisville? A good Hot Brown is mandatory, and a funky atmosphere is a plus. Oh, and preferably not more than a fifteen-minute cab ride from the airport.
You could go right to the source – the Brown Hotel is only six miles from the airport.
Mmmmm, hot brown. I tried to make one at home and it just ain’t the same.
Edit for Oakminster: open faced sliced roast turkey and bacon sandwich slathered in Mornay sauce and broiled until it is nice and brown. I like mine topped with bacon and tomato. Now I want to go to Lew’ehvihl, dang it.
The Brown Hotel is where the Hot Brown was invented.
Shameless plug for a family member: Across the river, in New Albany, Indiana, is an awesome restaurant called The Exchange. They’re working on their new website since they just moved (like, a week ago) to an awesome repurposed historical building in downtown New Albany, so I can’t link to anything but their old site (which has their old address). It’s basically a gastropub–craft beers, classic cocktails, and really, really good food. He’d been open in his original location for two years before he had to move to something bigger. It’s definitely worth the (relatively short) drive.
I can vouch for the Brown Hotel. The atmosphere isn’t “funky”, but it is definitely a throwback to a classier time. Enjoy your sandwich in the lobby rather than going into the restaurant.
Lynn’s Paradise Cafe closed? Too bad, it was an excellent cafe; everytime I went to Louisville I would try to eat there. My son really enjoyed playing with the party favor toys they had all over the place.
My brother and niece are in Louisville for the Who concert tonight at the “Yum” center, and are looking to eat not overly far away. The cab drivers are saying that everything is booked up, but I doubt that everything is. So, what do you suggest?
Oh, and preferably not more than a fifteen-minute cab ride from the airport.
)
I’m from there, and even my now vegetarian mother misses them. 
Too bad, it was an excellent cafe; everytime I went to Louisville I would try to eat there. My son really enjoyed playing with the party favor toys they had all over the place.