Don’t Leave Louisville Without Indulging in This Historic, Delicious Sandwich

“In the era of what we’re talking about, this was Prohibition, but it was legal to have a prescription of Kentucky’s finest in your jacket,” says J. Troy Ritchie, the manager, sommelier, and bourbon steward at the Brown Hotel’s English Grill. And by Kentucky’s finest, of course, Ritchie is referring to the whiskey guests were drinking.

Between the drinks and the dancing, people craved something more indulgent than the traditional ham and eggs, as the story goes. So chef Fred Schmidt created something better than the standard combo. He gauged what he had available and concocted an open-faced, thick-cut turkey sandwich with crispy bacon, acidic tomatoes to cut the richness, and a cheesy mornay sauce (which is a classic béchamel sauce that has grated cheese added).

Photo: The Brown Hotel/Facebook

In the Roaring 20s, people consumed alcohol differently and had a need for comfort food after a night of sipping. “If you’re taking on that amount of calories [that are in a hearty hot brown], it just sort of works when it comes to tiring you out for bed,” Ritchie says. “I’ve heard that when adding that little bit of acid, [Schmidt] tried everything from pimentos to strawberries before deciding on tomatoes.”

The dish lived on past that storied party and became a fixture in Louisville. Hot browns also made an appearance at subsequent parties, of which there were many thanks to the Brown Hotel’s location and popularity. Today, a century or so later, the dish has cemented its place in Kentucky food history lore. It’s been featured on The Today Show, Man vs Food, in the Los Angeles Times, and more.

Part of the reason for the popularity is that the Brown Hotel isn’t just a hotel. It’s a little bigger than that.

“It’s a weary traveler place,” Ritchie says, “and those that come in and have a hot brown are going to get a good night’s sleep, but there are two other factors that play into the mix.” One is that it’s a destination spot for special occasions for locals as well as tourists. And when locals want to have a hot brown, they specifically come here for that dish. “The third, of course, is the tourist attraction aspect,” Ritchie says. Yes, people are traveling to Louisville from various countries to try this dish.

The best places to try a hot brown in Louisville, Kentucky

Photo: The Brown Hotel/Facebook

The Brown Hotel: When traveling to Louisville for the first time, you really have to try a hot brown at its origin in the Brown Hotel. “It just hits a niche that’s not really met,” Ritchie says. “You’re splurging a little bit in that moment and that’s what this idea of comfort is all about. It’s over the top and high quality.” And while having the hot brown at the Brown Hotel is definitely a bucket list moment, you can also make it at home following the recipe on the website.

Where: 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202

Derby Cafe Express: Located in the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs (the track where the Kentucky Derby is run), this spot is noted for its hot brown panini, bourbon bread pudding, and mint juleps.

Where: 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208

The Café: A well-loved casual breakfast and lunch spot that serves a long menu of Southern food classics. The hot brown, in this case, is of course the one to order.

Where: 711 Brent St, Louisville, KY 40204

Troll Pub Under the Bridge: An underground pub that serves solid food alongside a long list of beers and a full bar menu. The history at this location includes time as a hotel, railroad headquarters, and a building along what was once known as Whiskey Row — and that was all before the hot brown was first invented.

Where: 150 W Washington St, Louisville, KY 40202

Biscuit Belly: A restaurant known for its hot brown biscuit with house smoked turkey and smoked gouda mornay.

Where: 900 E Main St #101, Louisville, KY 40206