Bristol Bar & Grille

I really wanted to like this place, and I expected to considering it’s been around for a while. I’ve been here twice — the first time was mediocre and overpriced, and I can’t say it’s changed much since that dinner a few years ago. The most recent time was for a candidate dinner for an interview, and the person we interviewed had a pork chop — half of which was pink in the middle. Basically. inedible. For an interview, this is nothing short of embarrassing. But I’ll start at the beginning.
My colleagues, myself, and our candidate had dinner on a Tuesday evening, and it picked up in terms of folks at the restaurants over the couple of hours we were there. We ordered the green chili wontons that were suggested to us by a colleague. They came out later than expected, but were decent. They reminded me of those jalapeño poppers you find in a grocery store, only with green chilies. They were served with an aioli, so I’d say they were an okay bar food-​esque nosh before dinner.
Our server was sweet, but had way too many tables, which left for bread coming out with our dinner and drinks being left unfilled, and dishes from our appetizers remaining in front of us until our dinners came out approximately 35 minutes after we ordered them. This is where a half-​cooked pork chop came out, and I had a salad that was lacking in overall taste and excitement. I had the espresso crème brûlée for dessert, which was alright. Unfortunately, after trying this place out a few times and finding the food to be mediocre, I can’t say I’d really recommend this restaurant when there is so much more to offer in Louisville.

There are several locations around town, and I’ve been to them all… as they are all pretty similar, this review applies to all of them. Nice place, good ambiance. Can be casual, but good for business dinner or date night, too. Good steaks for a decent price. Definitely worth a visit.

As a lifelong Louisvillian, it is a sort of sacrilege that I made it to age 30 without having ever ventured into the Bristol. When the name gets bandied about — often from the lips of older ladies — it seems to carry a well-​regarded reputation. I was excited, then, to finally try it for myself as a lunch destination with my girlfriend. I’m lucky she didn’t dump me for subjecting her to such a terrible meal. The gazpacho soup tasted like someone emptied a half-​jar of mild salsa into our bowl. Our crab cake was sad — and we love crab cakes. My fish was mostly batter, and I should note that the batter was so hard that it could not be reasonably chewed. About half of the rice accompanying my dish was literally uncooked. It was rock hard and unedible. And since the fish and vegetables were served sitting upon this «bed of rice,» it was basically impossible to consume the dish at all, as the rice granules snuck into every component of the meal. Our waitress explained that «this happens sometimes and is the result of the rice in their vat being old and unevenly cooked.» Great, I feel much better. I won’t be going back. As a reasonable disclaimer: I’ve read other reviews of the Bristol and it seems that perhaps our experience was anomalously awful. If, for example, the chef stepped out to contend with an emergency and left his Great Dane in charge of food prep, that might explain the disparity in my experience relative to the four-​star ratings the Bristol seems to receive otherwise.

It is like time has stood still, just can’t figure out what time stood still. Elements of pre war décor merge with iconic elements of the 70’s & 80’s. The menu also feels like it is out of the 80’s as well. The signature app is a weird fusion of Asian & Mexican wonton: can anyone confirm that this is actually a «Louisville Favorite?»
My meal started off with a house salad with house dressing. The house dressing was unique in that it combines cottage cheese with ranch dressing, not bad, but also would not call it good. Dinner was crab cakes. They shined. Not over breaded, lots of crab, and great flavor, everything that makes a great crab cake.
Overall Bristol Bar & Grill does a good job. The eccentric datedness is forgiven by consistent quality food. I will be back to try the Hot Brown.

Me and Scott went here for our one year anniversary back a few months ago. Holy lord, WHAT HAVE I BEEN MISSING!!!
We ordered the Green Chili Wantons as an appetizer. And those are great spice, plus sweetness plus umami and it’s GREAT! You just have to start with this. The waiters and waitresses all knew Scott by name (which is impressive since he use to come here a lot and hasn’t been here in a while since we visited). We received great service.
I ordered Electra (which is a New Albanian Brewing Company beer) and I loved it. However, let’s get back to the service and food. I was very happy with it. I swear Theresa’s Blackened Chicken Linguine is the best thing I have ever had. It’s got a spicy kick, and a sweet bite right afterward. It’s fantastic. I could easily eat this every day all day!
You walk in and they have flowers in this circular vase, which set the mood for me, for our anniversary. This is easily the best food that I have ever had, plus the service was great on top of it.
This is precisely what I needed for that night to set the mood for what happened afterward. So tasty and I need to go again as soon as possible so that I can have that Blackened chicken again. I need that recipe. Period. I love it and this is where you need to be your next night out! The beer and liquor selection is great, the service is on-​point and the food is THE BOMB DOT COM! Give em your time and your money and enjoy the art on the walls as well!

This «Louisville Original» restaurant never disappoints. Over the years that I have eaten here, the service has always ranged from good to excellent. I have never had a bad experience or meal here. While there are other locations in Louisville, this review is for the Highland’s location on Bardstown Rd.
First, the complementary bread is AMAZING! It is served warm (or hot) with whipped butter. Throughout my meal, somewhat like Oliver Twist, I continually ask the server for «more bread please».
My favorite appetizers are the Calamari and the Green Chili Won tons. On occasion I will have the Black Bean Soup, which is complete with assorted sausages, red onions and sour cream. If you just want a small meal to fill you up, this appetizer will do it nicely.
In terms of salads, my favorite is the Blackened Tuna Nicoise. It is a yellow fin tuna steak with mixed greens, olives, hard-​boiled egg, capers, red potatoes, tomatoes & served with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Although this is my meal of choice when I eat at Bristol, the other entrees are just as tasty.
Of the Pastas, I have two favorites: Judy’s Italian Linguine (Italian sausage, fresh herbs and marinara sauce, tossed with linguine) and Theresa’s Sweet Chili Linguine (pasta tossed with cream and Thai chili sauce topped with grilled blackened chicken). The Sweet Chili linguine has an ever-​so-​slight spicy «kick» to it; whereas, Judy’s Italian Linguine has no spicy taste at all.
Normally, one of these dishes catches my eye before I can even peruse the Chef’s Specialties. But in the rare instances that I have gotten to this section of the menu, my favorite is the Shrimp and Grits (blackened Cajun shrimp, bell peppers and onions in a zesty Creole tomato sauce atop cream cheese grits, finished with remoulade sauce and fried tobacco onions). This dish is to-​die-​for. Most restaurants that even try to reproduce or emulate this Southern creole dish fail miserably. Not so with Bristol. Their version is absolutely delicious. It’s so rich that I can’t finish it in one sitting and usually, I take the remaining portion home.
Overall, Bristol is one of my favorite restaurants in Louisville. The atmosphere, food and service are all solidly good and I’ve never had a bad experience.

Mediocre food at best and not a good value. Bloody Mary tasted like standard mix with a little extra hot sauce and wasn’t sure if it had an vodka in it. Wasn’t wowed by anything on the brunch Buffet. Fried chicken was bland, Mac and cheese was cold so it had solidified, and the cantaloupe in the fruit salad was rock hard. Our young male server was friendly and attentive. Overall won’t be back because I felt ripped off. Paid 15 dollars a head for nursing home food.

What can you say about the Original Bristol? Steady, reliable, easy and never too loud. I’m dating myself by admitting I was a patron of the Blue Cottage (I may have been under aged) which occupied part of this space before the Bristol came along.
My sister and I came for lunch after a late morning wild goose chase in downtown. We found a nearly empty Bristo to be comforting. Décor and table arrangement are nearly identical, if freshened, to my last visit. The menu evolves at the Bristol, so it looked as familiar to me as it did in 2001 on my most recent previous visit. The venerable artichoke fritters are still a mainstay. Some salads have been modernized but I think all of them were on the menu 14 years ago. This is not a negative criticism: updating the classics is a good thing.
We both had ice-​less water which was courteously served without the usual Louisville deafness to «Water, no ice please.» Our waiter, Chris, was attentive and professional. Took our orders and had questions about sequencing of service — we were brain dead so it was very helpful.
The order:
Sister — Chicken Salad Sandwich and above-​mentioned yummy fritters with remoulade. A glass of Ryan Patrick Naked Chardonnay from Washington State’s Columbia Valley. Crisp and refreshing.
Me — Bristol Burger still served on a toasted English muffin. A cup of hearty Black Bean soup. A glass of Hahn Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands near Monterey, CA. I can’t think of a more perfect red wine to have with a Bristol Burger! My B Burger could have been a touch moister but the flavor was burger-​perfect. And delivered to my seat just as ordered — medium.
Some criticism for improvement. Our wine glasses had not been polished after their prior washing and drying. That always leaves a film on the glass. Usually it is a bartender’s task to keep the glassware in tip-​top shape. Chris apologized and gladly replaced the glassware and the wine. Most of the flatware had dishwasher spots as well. I know it costs real money to have a person wipe each utensil as it exits the dishwasher, but I could stay home and eat with a dingy knife and fork.
My sister picked up the check so I’m only guessing when I say we got out of there for around $ 45 including a nice gratuity for Chris.

Sunday brunch is below average. If you are looking for all you can eat this is the place for you. if you are looking for a good cup of coffee and a good breakfast I would try something different.

Bristol is always a safe bet for good food when it comes to Louisville. As a vegetarian, my meal options are somewhat limited, but I have found the chefs to be accommodating, since I frequently get Theresa’s Sweet Chili Linguine without the chicken. This is the best service out of the Bristol locations I have visited, along with the best food. And. Green Chili Cheese Wontons with avocado dipping sauce.

i have no idea how i have never reviewed this place. I have probably been to this spot more times than i would like to admit. I used to walk up often for a snack or dinner with friends.
They have a very easy to order off of menu here that suits most. I happen to dig the green chili wontons and the artichoke fritters (as far as the appetizer menu goes). For dinner I usually either pick the spinach salad (sans the meats) or the mid-​east grilled cheese. Both yummy depending on what you are in the mood for eating. Their desserts are pretty good here too… especially the derby pie and the bread pudding.
I should add that on Tuesdays they have half price bottles of wine all night! yay! Aside from that deal they always have reasonable prices on drinks. A glass of wine ranges from about 6 dollars to 8, I think. The happy hour is $ 1 off all drinks-​drafts, bottles of beer, glasses of wine, cocktails.
Their patio is super nice if the weather is right. It feels pretty private from the bustle on Bardstown Road. :)
I have had two events here in the past year and both times they have been overly accommodating to us and friendly.
This is my favorite Bristol location! Just saying.

Amazing food! We go here all the time for Dixon family dinners, and we had our rehearsal dinner upstairs. Zach is a phenomenal bartender. Always attentive, gives great recommendations, and just a super friendly guy. Get the shrimp and grits, short rib, bourbon braised pork shoulder, black bean soup, or the Bristol Burger.

Went there and was going to order shrimp and grits cause they sounded good but then saw the braised beef short ribs. absolutely delicious. melt in your mouth tender and the wine sauce was out of this world. only complaint i could have is i would prefer a softer bread besides the french bread… i still ate 2 baskets though so i guess i cant complain

After unsuccessfully trying two other restaurants near by to get appetizers and drinks quickly, the girlfriend and i decided to go with old faithful. She ordered a white zinfendel and i had an angels envy and ginger. Our waiter promptly returned w our drinks and told us the evening specials. All sounded amazing. However, we were just there for the wontons. And once again they did not disappoint.

I went to Bristol for a friend’s bachelorette party. I was a little apprehensive because I read the reviews beforehand — but I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was great! I had the shrimp and grits. The presentation was beautiful. The grits were thick and a nice consistency and flavor. However it needed more shrimp. I would probably feel that way no matter what but it only came with 6 – 7 medium-​sized shrimp. The house salad was basic and the ranch had cottage cheese in it. Taste-​wise it was fine but texturally I wasn’t digging it. The bread was amazing — hot with a nice outside crust. The service overall was fine — not horrible or above and beyond. Just… fine. Everyone in our party loved their food. I’d definitely make a trip back.

I have been here for both the Saturday brunch and lunch. I’ve heard their Sunday brunch buffet is much better.
Saturday brunch menu is nothing special, but I’d say it’s not really crowded so you probably don’t have a wait time. And they take reservations. No drink specials though. I tried the chicken and waffles which was good.
For lunch you must get the green chile wontons. It comes with a guacamole sauce and they are amazing, with just a little kick to it. I also had the short ribbed grilled cheese which was outstanding.
If it’s nice outside they have outdoor seating. Staff is very friendly and knowledgable about the menu.

This is an oldie but a goodie. I’ve been here several times but most recently visited on March 6. Our service was a little weird but the food was good overall. The green chili wontons are excellent as an appetizer. I got the pork tenderloin as an entrée and the sauce was really good. My side of «truffle fries» was really more like sliced potatoes with truffle oil but they were good.
Bristol has an excellent drink list including many wines and bourbons. I like that you can get wine flights here.
Another positive is that it is big and can accommodate large groups and you can make reservations.

Everything I’ve tried from the Bristol has been consistently good. I always order the green chili wontons as an appetizer because they are amazing. I highly recommend them. I’ve tried various dishes including the chicken fajita sandwich, braised beef short rib, a couple pasta dishes, fish sandwich, etc. No complaints. Their salad dressings are also very good (they have a ranch dressing made with cottage cheese that I usually get). Not the most new, modern, or trendy place in town, but I always know I’m going to get good food here.

Love the family feel and delicious food! You must try the green chili wontons and the specials are a safe bet! Also great: the hot brown soup and truffle fries. The salad dressing (name escaping me) that is similar to ranch was delicious on the salad

If I were just rating the food, this place would get 3 stars, but because the service was so good, I bumped them up to 4 stars.
I came here with some work colleagues. The place was nearly empty, but I will say that this resulted in exemplary service by our waiter, Demetrios. That man is a gem and deserves to work in a busier, higher end restaurant.
The wine list is very reasonable, and the bartender works quickly.
The food is a bit eclectic. There are Asian-​inspired dishes and southern dishes and a section of the menu dedicated to locally grown/​raised foods. I tried a special, the pork shank. I think the chef did not pay attention to my dish, as he gave me two bony pieces of pork shank, so all I received was a lot of pork skin and bones. Yuck. Luckily, I had the accompanying salad, grits and daily vegetables (broccolini) to fill my stomach because I was not about to eat pork gristle as a meal. My colleague who also ordered the pork shank seemed to get all the meaty pieces and no bones. :/