Marketplace Restaurant

Great restaurant, highly recommend. We were passing through Louisville staying at the brown for a night and this was next door so we tried it.
Food was 5 stars fantastic as was the outdoor seating area on the gorgeous night we were there. Everything was good, the Brussel sprout appetizer was one of the best vegetable dishes I’ve ever had. I also had the short rib entrée which was great.
Large bourbon selection which our waitress was helpful in navigating. Only thing I could find wrong with the place was the short beer list but that seems to be common at most restaurants in Louisville, this is a bourbon town after all.

Server rushed us the entire meal. Food was below average. It was our anniversary, she didn’t ask if we wanted dessert just brought the standard bday dessert which was also not good.
Porkchop was so bland and had a sauce that tasted like nothing but salt. Just don’t go, big waste.

Great ambiance. I had a burger with fries and a hipster (yes that is the real name) beer. The pickles are thick cut on the burger which added a lot to the taste. Great burger and finished everything!

Came here for dinner, no reservation. We were seated after a few minutes. We were not initially acknowledged by the man behind the reception desk. To that end, he was on the phone and had a party of three plus an infant waiting for him. So I get that, no big deal.
So we get seated. Our server was very nice. Polite. We ordered a bottle of wine (turned into two). Appetizer time. Lamb meatballs. Really good. Scallops and pork belly. Scallops, awesome. Pork, half of it was good. The fat portion wasn’t rendered enough. Baked goat cheese. Excellent, served with more than enough crostini (a rarity anymore). Brussels sprouts. Lousy. Underdone. Way underdone. Told that to the server. She said she told the manager, who was going to come to the table. Manager never did. I’m not asking that it be comped (it wasn’t). But it was not a good dish. And there was seemingly no care for our displeasure with that dish.
A couple of run of the mill caprese salads. Pickled beet salad was fantastic. Tangy and tart. That was great!
Entrees. Pork Saltimboca. Dry. A bit overdone. Short ribs really nice. Filet, decent.
It took a long time from start to finish. Too long. The two bottles of wine were gone before the entrees arrived. And there were three of us drinking the wine.
It’s a nice place. Quasi-​industrial feel and décor with a large outdoor area. I just don’t think I’ll come back.

Last night we went for our first and last time.
We went for a friends birthday that is in for Derby.
I understand that during Derby week restraunts alter their menu, so I checked out their menu on line earlier in the day. I noticed that they did not have a vegetarian entrée option listed. I called and asked if they would be able to accommodate a vegetarian diet. They assured me that they would be more than willing to do that. I was instructed to just inform my server and that they will gladly make the arangments.
When I talked to the server and requested a vegetarian option, I was quickly and dismissively informed that I could not be accommodated. «It’s Derby»

Solid restaurant. Came here based on Unilocal reviews as I’m in town for 3 days.
Did a bourbon flight tasting of old grand dad, four roses, and bakers. We named a price point and that’s what they assembled. Not disappointed at all. Had the fried goat cheese appetizer. Tasted great. Definitely big enough to share. Short rib for dinner. Cooked fantastically in a sweet sauce.
The burger at the table next to me looked awesome as did the salmon. The diners said it was good too. Yep I’m that person that sometimes asks how something tastes at the table.
People in Louisville are some of the friendliest I’ve met in the country.
I would definitely come here again.

Not really a Brussels sprouts fan but they are the best thing on the menu!!! Yummy!!! I had the Frank’s fried chicken which was too dry. The caprese salad was good with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella! Finished the meal with the key lime tart which was okay. My friend had the bread pudding with granola and fresh berries — it was really good.
Once again the bourbon — Manhattan was one of my favorites.

I hate writing this review update. Usually when I do a review update it is because a place has improved and I want to give them credit. Unfortunately, it is the complete opposite with Marketplace.
I work across from Marketplace and it is a convenient place to have lunch or grab cocktails after work. I love their patio when it is nice. I have had lunch with my co-​workers several times in the last few months and it has not been good. Over– priced, small portions, boring food, slow service. The other ladies and I decided we would not be going back for any of our birthday lunches again.
I ordered the apple-​pecan salad last time. It was $ 10 and the size of a side salad. I was disappointed and hungry. You can expect to pay 10 – 20 for lunch that is not high-​end at all. In the past when I had dinner here, I had a very nice experience. I am not sire what has happened.

Had a late lunch with my colleague and we loved the food for the most part. I ordered the Philly Cheese steak sandwich with truffle fries, and we shared the goat cheese dip. The dip was amazing! The fries were yummy but the cheese steak sandwich on the pretzel bun was fat too greasy for me.
Other than that the service was great and the selection was plenty, I just did not pick a good one. I would definitely go back and try something else though.

Sigh. This is a hard review to write. I really wanted to like this place. It was convenient: located on 4^th Street before we headed to our concert at the Yum Center. It was available via Open Table, which made it so easy to make a reservation. It was something new, a place none of us had been to before, which made it a great opportunity.
First, the ambiance of this place and decorations are beautiful. I can imagine this is a beautiful spot in the warmer months with the windows open and the patio space available. It is truly a very modern looking space.
How I wish they had paid as much attention to their menu as they did their ambiance. My friend had ordered an appetizer of the truffle fries. The dish was huge, big enough to be an entrée on its own. The fries were good, well cooked, not very greasy. They get a 3 for truffle fries, I’ve had better, but these were decent. Unfortunately, the dish was huge and it took a while to finish, I couldn’t help my friend. Next, we got the goat cheese flatbread which was pretty delicious, even though slightly burnt.
In terms of drinks, our server had recommended to my friend a pear martini. It was not very good. My other friend got a sprite, which we found out after she finished it that they do not do refills on the soft drinks. I got iced tea which did have refills.
Our entrees were varied around the table. My friend got the ricotta gnocchi, which was also okay, nothing to blow you away in terms of dishes. I got the black bean patties on polenta with veggies, which was not what I expected. The black bean patties were fried and didn’t have much flavor. The polenta was good along with the sauce. The veggies had too much dressing and were not very tasty. My other friend got the filet mignon which was very good and she enjoyed it.
Lastly, it was my friend’s birthday so we has told the staff so we could get a dessert menu. They actually brought her out a chocolate mousse on the house which was very rich and very good along with 3 glasses of champagne. It was very sweet of them. My friend got a cheesecake which was very tasty.
The last meh part of this place was the service. Our server was very nice but did not come back to the table often. Our water glasses were frequently empty and it took a really long time to get our check at the end despite the room where we were sitting being pretty empty. Will I go back to Marketplace? Maybe to enjoy the outdoor patio when it is open with a glass of iced tea.

Dined here on a whim with family — great atmosphere out on the patio on a warm, spring evening. The menu is small but seasonal and we all agreed the food was delicious. Our server, chap from California, was friendly, quick and great with recommendations. Loved the cocktails, too. Would go back next time I’m in Louisville.

It’s sad to write this review because I used to love this restaurant but tonight was beyond disappointing. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful! Possibly the most beautiful restaurant in the city. The food was delicious.
We had he goat cheese dip, salmon, black bean cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken. We also had lots of cocktails. Almost everything was good.
But the service was beyond bad! It was uncomfortably bad. Our table spent hundreds of dollars and we left feeling disappointed ad taken advantage of.
Our server tried to up sale everything. You want salmon? Well you should order a salad with it because it pairs well.
I eat out all the time at upscale local restaurants and no one has ever tried to upsale me on anything. Every drink we ordered off the signature cocktail list she tried to modify. Three of us ordered bourbon cocktails and she tried to make us order something that was «double Oaked» I don’t know what that means but one person at our table took the recommendation. And when the bill came it was $ 24!!! For one cocktail. Unbelievable. She didn’t even want it she just agreed to order it after the server pushed her so hard and it cost $ 24. Ridiculous. Although the food was good I’ll never go back to marketplace. I feel completely ripped off. There are so many other restaurants in Louisville that truly understand what good service is. (Mayan, Wiltshire, garys on spring, jack frys) save your money and go elsewhere

A group of ten of us wanted to get together befor our concert on a Friday night. We made reservations in advance, arrived timely, and were seated promptly (from what I hear — I was lost in translation). Well, the sh$t hit the fan sometime after that and started to get really funky when I arrived.
When I arrived the group was comprised of eight people already seated with beverages. Great. I had already looked at the menu, knew I only wanted an appetizer, and it would catch me up with those that were waiting for entrees. Well… That’s not quite how it went.
Server comes over and asks for my beverage order. Order a Long Island iced tea and tell him I’d like the salmon croquette appetizer. Others have already received their appetizers and others proceed to put in their entrée orders. Well… after the lengthy wait for my drink, my appetizer also arrives. My excitement immediately dwindles. The croquettes are burnt! No, not a little charred — legitimately crispy black! And if you have ever eaten seafood, you know that’s a problem. I tried, seriously I did, to take a few bites… But totally couldn’t! I let my server know I am unsatisfied with the appetizer and tell him I will not need a replacement. He understands and takes the plate away immediately.
In the meantime, I’ll chat it up with the others while they wait for their food. Big mistake on my part! Twenty minutes later half the entrees come. Five minutes after that the server says the steak order will be another 15 minutes because it was requested well-​done. Five minutes after that another server brings out the damn steak! Confused, much? But okay… It’s better than waiting another length of time. Server then asks if everyone has everything? Well no, one person is till missing an entrée. He proceeds to ask her «what did you order?» Shouldnt you know this! Then he disappears. No explanation, no «be right back,» nothing! Ten minutes later, after the server hasn’t returned to the table, we ask another server for the manager.
Now, she did come by and apologize for the missing entrée. Offers to put it in immediately and have it sent out, but our concert starts in 15 minutes. No time! All we need is to receive our checks so we can get going. That takes another half hour and each check comes out seperately! What the flibbity flab!!! The restaurant was clearly full and quite busy. I get it! You could tell our sever was overwhelmed. However, what I don’t get is why with a concert happening two doors down and a private event being hosted, you wouldn’t have had additional staff or been overly prepared.
The word disappointment doesn’t explain my sentiments. I was so excited to visit this place and unfortunately, I know quite a few people at our table won’t be returning.

If you have an event downtown and are looking for a place to meet up with friends for appetizers and drinks, consider Marketplace Restaurant. The restaurant is so much larger than you can imagine before opening the door, including an outdoor patio. They also have a private room for parties that includes a full bar. I especially enjoy the lounge chairs and couches near the bar in the back of the restaurant.
My friends and I often nosh off the appetizer meal. The truffle fries are a MUST have. You’ll get them in a large bowl and think «we can’t possible eat all those», but beware — you will be stabbing each other with forks to get the last one. The goat cheese and bread is also a favorite.
Prices are not cheap so I encourage each friend in your group to order an appetizer and share with the table. Don’t forget to grab a glass of wine or beer on tap.

Came here for lunch yesterday because I heard their chicken was phenomenal at the Fried Chicken Showdown a couple weeks back. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in a chicken mood, so I ordered the a the beet and argula salad with salmon. I ended up having to leave before my food came out and got it to go. To my surprise when I opened the to go box at my office there was a fillet of salmon, a few beets, some argula leaves, and a lot of cheese! It truthfully was not bad, but less beet and argula than I imagined. The taste also did not match the $ 19 cost! I could hav gotten more for less at a salad place.
However, I will say that the brussels sprouts we ordered as an app. was amazing! I wouldn’t come just for it, but it was pretty damn good!

Weak. It is hard to even find a place to start.
Service — 30 minutes to get drinks after our server took the order and it still came back wrong. We ordered elmer t. lee on the rocks but somehow it ended up as elmer T. lee AND COKE. The food also TOOK FOREVER (almost an hour), The salad ordered by a vegan in our group came out incorrect TWICE.
Overpriced — average entrée was $ 25+ and appetizers were 14+. Marketplace is clearly catering to the business traveler because no sane person would ever pay this much for completely unimaginative food. At this price point it should have at least been high quality.
Quality of the Meal — blah. totally unimaginative «steak» and asparagus. Anybody could have came up with this menu. By the far the most unimaginative real restaurant i’ve visited in the city. Devoid of thought. This looks like a menu that somebody purchased with a «start a fine dining restaurant kit»
Drinks — Signature cocktails meh. Nothing really interesting here.
I had the short ribs with asparagus and potatoes. It was okay but for the price it was weak
Décor — exposed concrete blocks with curtains… I mean really. Come up with something better than that. Just generally unimaginative.
Save your money. Go anywhere else in downtown or any of the restaurants. It belongs in the abomination known as 4^th street live.
Pro
The patio is nice but there are equally awesome spots in the city

An oasis in the concrete jungle.
I stopped in for dinner before a show at the Palace during a trip to Louisville in late July. I was pulled in when I walked past the outside seating area, a great looking courtyard offering relaxation and serenity with greenery, statues, cozy tables with umbrellas all enclosed on 3 sides.
There were only 2 of us so we were sat in very comfy, extra large armed patio chairs with great cushions and pillow… so comfortable. I thought I might just skip the movie and hang out here all evening. There were the cutest little birds along one wall of the courtyard. Not city birds, little cute ones.
Had the mule drink with an app since there was not much time between when my friend arrived and the movie started. They were both delicious. Between the courtyard and main restaurant there is s a great private room where a party was taking place. They opened the wall of the room to the courtyard, which I am sure was nice for the party as it was a rather big one, but interrupted my solitude sitting out there.
However, if I am ever back in Louisville and want to hold a gathering, I will definitely look at this place.

I don’t always spend $ 15 on a salad, but when I do, my expectations are through the roof. Wow, Marketplace’s salmon and spinach salad exceeded those expectations. I had such high hopes for it that I actually expected to be disappointed. I was not.
This review is based solely on the salad, as it’s the only thing I’ve had from here. The restaurant itself is stunningly beautiful, but I picked up a carryout order today.
The salmon and spinach salad is out-​of-​this-​world good. It contains all things good: bacon, feta cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and bourbon dressing. Topped with some of the most delicious salmon I’ve ever tasted. Seriously, this salmon was cooked to perfection. Crisp on the outside, but moist and tender on the inside. The salmon was fresh and flavorful, not fishy at all. The salmon was really the star, but all of the toppings were excellent. All of the ingredients paired together wonderfully.
The salad itself was on the small side, though the portion of salmon was hearty. And that’s all that really matters, right? The only thing I wished was that it wouldn’t end. I tried to savor every bite. The salmon and spinach salad is a definite five stars.

Descent food and drinks. The patio is awesome! My cucumber cocktail was a little sweet for my liking but the waitress brought me lemon so that helped. The salmon salad was good but I could have used more spinach and no bacon. Still descent. My friend loved his steak sandwich.

The truffle fries are AMAZING. So are the bacon and spinach risotto fritters. The dinner menu is a little more pricy and I liked the two appetizers we had much more than the meal I ordered.

Lunched here on a Saturday with rain threatening so chose to sit indoors. There is a lovey patio for outside seating. The indoor dining is also very nice with a good atmosphere for a date nite.
Food: we chose the spinach salmon salad and shrimp and grits. Both were excellent! Salmon was perfectly cooked with a crispy outside and perfectly cooked inside (not overdone!). Salad wasn’t overdressed and was delicious. Shrimp and grits were delicious and shrimp were also well-​cooked. For dessert, we shared a derby pie which was more like a derby bar and topped with fruit and whipped cream. This is a shareable portion, it is generous! And delicious!
Service: our service was just right. We were checked on often enough without being bothered.
Overall impression: delicious food, good service, nice atmosphere. I shall return!