Nothing builds an appetite like spending the day touring distilleries across Kentucky. Bourbon can be the perfect complement to most foods however if you’re hankering for a good old-fashioned American meal, you’ll need to get Off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Over the past several years, Louisville has been rapidly being recognized as a growing foodie town which includes a diverse offering of culinary choices including several outstanding steak houses.
Louisville’s Westport Village is an up and coming premier shopping destination located in eastern Louisville. The Village has more than 40 eclectic shops, restaurants, and a variety of other retailers. Among the restaurants, the Steak & Bourbon, An American Grill, recently opened in the northwest corner of the Village in a location which previously was home to several various restaurants. The inviting location features a spacious bar, outdoor heated patio, and a number of private tables for various size parties.
Although, the menu at Steak & Bourbon caters to the steak lover, there are a variety of burgers, chicken, and fish dishes for someone hellbent against steak, however, after a long day on the Bourbon Trail, a steak can hit the spot. Starting with appetizers, I found three extremely interesting and satisfying including the Lobster Bisque bowl ($12) and the French Onion Soup ($9). If you’re really looking for something unique and tasty, the Crabmeat Deviled Eggs ($13) are absolutely amazing.
Although, the menu at Steak & Bourbon caters to the steak lover, there are a variety of burgers, chicken, and fish dishes for someone hellbent against steak, however, after a long day on the Bourbon Trail, a steak can hit the spot. Starting with appetizers, I found three extremely interesting and satisfying including the Lobster Bisque bowl ($12) and the French Onion Soup ($9). If you’re really looking for something unique and tasty, the Crab meat Deviled Eggs ($13) are absolutely amazing. If a burger is more you’re fancy, try the Crab Cake Burger made with their house crab cake and crab meat aioli ($19) or the Cheese Curd Burger made with melted cheese curds and candied maple bacon ($17).
All steaks at Steak & Bourbon are Certified Angus Beef aged a minimum of 21 days. Each is seasoned with their house seasoning and finished with delicious herb butter. Each of their steaks are available in a variety of sizes, my personal favorites are the 12oz NY Strip steak ($32), 10oz Center cut Filet ($38), 14oz Rib Eye ($36), and if you’re really hungry, go for the 24oz Bone-in Cowboy Cut ($49). Step up any steak with their Bourbon Steak Sauce ($3), Chimichurri ($3), Au Poivre ($5), Hollandaise Sauce ($5), or the Horseradish Crème Fraiche ($3). Of course, really upgrade your steak with a crab cake ($11), garlic shrimp ($9), make it Oscar ($10), add blue cheese ($3), or add crab meat dynamite ($6).
Steak & Bourbon offers a number of tasty sides including Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with hand-cut bacon, candied pecans, cooked in aged balsamic vinegar; sautéed broccoli, or even mac & cheese. If steak and potatoes is your jam, add one of their Spuds for $8 including their Marshmallow Loaded Baked Sweet Potato, stuffed with butter, sour cream, chives, crumbled bacon, maple syrup, and bruleed marshmallows.
Whether you’re looking for bourbon, rye, or barrel proof, Steak & Bourbon features a variety of bourbon flights uniquely selected to satisfy any bourbon lover.
- Michters ($15) -- Michter’s US1 Bourbon, Michter’s US1 American Whiskey, Michter’s US1 Rye
- Woodford ($18) -- Woodford Reserve, Woodford Reserve Rye, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
- Rye ($15) -- Old Forester Rye, Rabbit Hole Rye, Knob Creek Rye
- Single Barrel ($17) -- 1792 Single Barrel, Eagle Rare, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
- Small Batch ($16) -- E.H. Taylor Small Batch, Jefferson’s Reserve, Four Roses Small Batch
- Bottled-in-Bond ($16) -- New Riff, 1897 Old Forester, Old Grand Dad
- Barrel Proof ($21) -- Maker’s Mark, Booker’s, Elijah Craig Barrel Strength
The bourbon list contains a respectable assortment of just what about whatever can be found at most stores throughout Kentucky. In general, prices are modest in comparison to most high-end steak houses in the area. Among the regular pours include: Baker’s ($14), Blanton’s ($16), Booker’s ($18), Bulleit Barrel Proof ($16), Eagle Rare ($10), Elijah Craig Small Batch ($11), Maker’s 46 ($13), Maker’s Cask ($16), New Riff Bourbon, Single Barrel, or Rye ($10), Old Forester Signature ($9), Old Forester 1910 ($14), Old Forester 1920 ($15), Old Grand Dad 114 ($10), Stagg Jr. ($17), Old Weller Antique 107 ($16) or the Woodford Reserve Doable Oak ($16).
Admittedly, a number of premium bourbons sat on the shelf and the menu referenced the exclusive Bourbon Reserve list. Sadly, this seemed difficult for the bar staff to realize existed or even locate. Once they found it I thought the Kentucky Owl Batch 9 ($50) seems steep and decided to pass to try it another day.
Overall, Steak & Bourbon features a friendly and upscale environment with quality food. The food and drink prices are slightly higher than other places in the area however the quality of service and experience makes the extra cost worth the price.
If you’re craving an old-fashioned steak and dram of bourbon, get Off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and visit the new Steak & Bourbon, an American Grill in Westport Village, located in the east-end of Louisville, Kentucky.
About Jeremy Schell