Fork & Barrel — Restaurant in Louisville

My husband and I went on a Sunday morning for brunch. It was late morning so we knew anywhere we picked there might be a wait. We always try and eat at a new place every week and were really excited about trying Fork and Barrel. Upon arrival we were greeted immediately but were told wait just a minute and I’ll be right with you. 5-10 minutes later a different server came and said the exact same thing. At this point I was really confused bc half the restaurant was full but there were empty tables everywhere (that were dirty) after another 5-10 minutes the first guy came back and looked around to try and figure out where to sit us he tried to sit us at the bar and then realized that there were not two empty chairs at the bar so we had to wait longer so someone could clear a table off for us. When finally sitting down the table next to us was complaining amongst themselves about how they were waiting 10-15 min just for their check. That made me nervous overhearing that just because of how long it took us to get seated. After 5 min of just sitting there we were greeted, our server was very nice but he never gave us his name and he seemed VERY overwhelmed. We ordered two mimosas and told him we needed a few min to decide on food. Everything seemed ok at this point. However, it took him at least 15 min (maybe longer) for him to come back to take out order and just to check on us. At this point I had already finished my drink and my husbands was pretty much gone as well so I put in an order for another one and my husband ordered another one as well. Food came out at a timely manner and looked great. Tasted absolutely delicious but mine was barely warm. He didn’t bring out our drinks and actually NEVER came back to our table until we were pretty much ready to leave and had to flag him down. I told him as nice as I possibly could that we never got our drinks and we were ready for the check he apologized and said honestly he forgot and asked if we still wanted them. I still wanted mine because I knew that they were probably already on our check and I wasn’t waiting another half an hour to get a fixed check. My husband and I are not ones to complain at restaurants but what really aggravated and got us really mad is that a table of 4 young kids came in after us, was sat behind my husband and the entire time we were ignored and forgot about they were waited on hand and foot. I saw our server bring them I don’t know how many rounds of drinks and coffee and we were still waiting on our second ones. At one point there was a glass that was broken on their table and because of THEIR INCONVENIENCE he brought them a round of mimosas. LIKE SERIOUSLY. YOU HAVE A TABLE BEHIND YOU STILL WAITING ON TWO THAT ARE BEING PAID FOR!!! Not once during our whole time there did our server even turn his head our way just to notice that we were trying to waive him down. Just because of this one experience we will never go there again no matter how great the food was, just because the service was...

If you're a fan of familiar flavors with a sophisticated twist, the gastronomic journey at Fork & Barrel will certainly tickle your taste buds. Nestled near the end of Frankfort Ave this gem encapsulates the epitome of southern hospitality with its warm, inviting atmosphere and a friendly, attentive staff that make every dining experience feel like a reunion of old friends.

The menu at Fork & Barrel pays homage to the classics we've all grown up with, elevating them to a level of finesse that is both a treat for the palate and a delightful trip down memory lane. The Stroganoff is a prime example of this. A hearty bowl of this beloved comfort food is served with an air of refinement that does not sacrifice its soul-warming goodness. The flavors are well-balanced, the meat is tender, and the sauce is rich and creamy, culminating in a satisfying symphony that left me yearning for another bite.

Not to be overshadowed, the Bruschetta is a testament to the kitchen's attention to detail. Beautifully plated and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, this appetizer was the perfect preamble to the main course. The crisp bread served as the perfect platform for the harmonious combination of ripe tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. A simple dish, yet executed with such finesse, it was undoubtedly a standout.

Now let's talk about the cocktails. Oh, the cocktails! Fork & Barrel truly shines here, showing off their mixologist’s flair. Each cocktail is more than just a drink; it's a carefully crafted work of art. Their list is creative and robust, satisfying both classic cocktail lovers and adventurous spirits. Standouts include their fantastic whiskey sour, brimming with smooth bourbon flavors underlined by a subtle tartness.

It's important to note that Fork & Barrel is not just about the food and drink. It's about the overall experience. The atmosphere is comfortably chic and welcoming, and the staff members have an innate knack for making you feel right at home.

Fork & Barrel succeeds in its mission to provide a venue for family and friends to gather and relish in the comforting flavors of home, all the while adding a touch of sophistication to the mix. It’s the type of place you can pop into for a quick drink and end up spending an entire evening, thoroughly immersed in good food, great drinks, and better company. If you're in the mood for a place that respects tradition while daring to elevate it, Fork & Barrel should definitely be your next...

What can I say that so many of the previous reviewers haven't already said. Let's start with the wait staff attentive, friendly, and professional, not an easy balance to learn. A good wait staff must be a seamless part of a great dining experience, and everyone at Fork and Barrel is a shining example of this. From greeting our party of six at the door, to a consummate knowledge of the menu ,to the cleaning of our table as we lingered sharing stories amongst ourselves and everything in between, all of our needs were catered to in a friendly, but not too friendly manner. The wait staff would be enough to have made this a stellar experience.

Then there was the food, for appetizers we shared between us, a pimento cheese board complete with country ham and bread, a basket of amazing hush puppies, and delectable crab cakes. Entrees ranged from cheeseburgers to trout to shrimp and grits. Although the andouille in the shrimp and grits was slightly over done, the dish as a whole was definitely on point. The trout was at once crispy tender and juicy. The burger was the best I've had in a long time, To top it all off our dessert was so much better than we anticipated. It was definitely the highlight of our meal. PB and J on pound cake with wine grapes, what a surprising flavor, rich textures and complex tastes make this one of the top ten desserts I've had in my life. You will never confuse this dessert with the soggy creation your mother would stuff in your lunchbox.

If that is not enough the owners take a personal interest in everyone who comes in the door. Geoffrey and Emily Heyde took time out of thier busy day to engage us not only in the simple how is your meal chit chat, but they make you feel like family, at ease and welcome.

Finally the price point was as expected for such a wonderful evening, an evening made even more special in that it was also the celebration of my daughters birthday. ( For which she received a free dessert). While not cheap it was a superb bargain when weighed against the evening as a whole. In conclusion I must say that the Fork and Barrel crew out performs many of the other upscale restaurants I have dined at in town. This absolutely my new favorite place to eat...