Bristol Bar & Grille Downtown

We booked a 4:30pm dinner reservation at Bristol Bar & Grille Downtown before a 6:30 show, planning to enjoy a relaxed meal. Instead, we've never felt so rushed in a sit-down restaurant. From the moment we sat down, the pace felt frantic. Our server immediately pushed us for orders, and before we could even settle in, we were told several items were unavailable — including the Woodford bacon grilled cheese because “the kitchen wouldn't have time to melt the cheese.” That explanation wasn't given until we were already being hurried to choose something else, which made the decision even more uncomfortable. Food came out extremely fast but didn't taste fresh. The sweet chili linguine was mediocre, and my salad barely arrived before the pasta followed right behind it. We were asked about dessert while still eating our entrées, and we were fully in and out — with appetizer, salad, and entrée — in under 40 minutes. Not exactly the relaxing meal we had planned. For reference, we never once said we were going to a show or needed to hurry. We intentionally booked early for that reason, but it didn't seem to matter. We ended up leaving and going somewhere else afterward just to enjoy a drink and dessert at a normal pace. Overall, rushed service and average food made for a very disappointing experience at what we hoped would be a nice pre-show dinner.

My burger was undercooked for the medium well that was requested, and personally didn't like the English muffin as a bun-it became quite soggy. Our drinks took a very long time to come out. But our server was very nice.

I know it was a play night at KY Arts Center, but the food came out way to slow. Our waiter did check back to us several times, but just slow kitchen response. We eat there for many of the performances and have never been this late in getting food.

We chose to eat at this restaurant because we were attending the theatre. I made the reservations so that we could have a nice leisurely dinner before theater and it was my birthday. I will start with the positive I had received an email for a free dessert which we used. The dessert was the best part of our meal it was delicious and unique. Thank you, Bristol, for that dessert. The restaurant was busy and had extra help which kept things moving much too fast. We ordered an appetizer and it came at the same time as the salad. I still had a bite of salad when the extra waitress tried to take my dish. Our food was delivered mostly correct but again the extra waitress hovered waiting to take plates. I was last to finish and she had made at least three attempts to clear my dish. I told her that I had the free dessert and she brought a dessert menu but I refused to order until I had finished my meal. I do realize on theater night the restaurant is busy but I had so hoped for a nice birthday meal. This has changed my thoughts about booking a table.

It was a disappointing night at an otherwise good local staple. Our dinner reservation was at 5:15 and they had already run out of all soups, we were not offered bread, items were not correctly prepared, etc. On the plus side, we were not charged for the food that was not correctly prepared and we got out in enough time to make it to the theater.

Delightful experience.  We dined at the downtown Bristol on December 2 before the Broadway series play. Dinner was a home run. The service, from Savannah, was professional and attentive. The food was all good. Salads were fresh and generous. Entrées, a burger and pasta bolognese, were hot and delicious. Everything arrived in plenty of time for us to relax, sip our drinks, and enjoy our food. We still easily arrived in time before the theater curtain call.  Keep up the good work.

Our waitress was excellent. Was a theatre night so busy but very attentive staff and we were pleased with our meal.

Service was great! So convenient being close to Ky Center for the Arts. We were served quickly so we could make it to our show.

We’ve dined here often. Tonight was disappointing. We waited to be checked in despite reservations. Dinner salad was a couple of sprigs of lettuce. More like garnish. I have gluten allergy but was served gluten chips. Promised but never received broccoli. Long, long wait for entree. Negative attitude from wait staff when we asked when we’d get food. We had a play to get to. Not sure what the problem was. Hope they improve.

10/26/25
I spoke with a manager at their invitation. He was very helpful and listened to my concerns. He apologized and offered to send a gift card to us to make up for the problems we had at previous dinners. I appreciate the managers responsiveness. I will share info on our next visit.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

Our favorite go-to place for dinner before the theater or orchestra since it's very convenient to the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Food is uniformly good although a bit more variety in the menu would be welcome. Service is efficient and considerate of the fact that you might have to make it to a performance. We will continue to go!

4’s all around. Not a bad place, everything was fine, but room for some improvement. Biggest issue I had was there was some gnats in our area. They had a $5 all day special for Old Fashions. Some of our group were excited about that. I ordered the Hot Brown and it was okay. Again, good, fine, swell. Also tried their grilled cheese, that was also good. Oh, also tried the pesto chicken pasta. All of the food seemed good. Worth giving it a shot. I’m guessing the gnats were not an issue throughout or all the time. Btw, the picture is half of the grilled cheese and Hot Brown that I shared w my sister, not a menu option. Also, i would say if you get the Hot Brown, order an appetizer or salad since the portion seems small.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Chasing away gnats, sketchy food… just our experience, service was great… ate about 50% of the food.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 5

I’m reviewing this before I even leave the restaurant because it was THAT good of an experience. First of all, the location is so convenient and around tons of Louisville attractions. It’s super classy on the inside but not dressy enough that you need to wear a suit and tie to feel comfortable. We had the green chile wontons as an appetizer - no notes, simply perfect, so yummy. My brother and I both had the Woodford Reserve Bacon Grilled Cheese as our entrees (mine with kettle chips and his with fries). Absolutely delicious and just so satisfying - especially the kettle chips, which had the perfect crunch. Our server, Cory, was also so attentive and kind and regularly checked in to make sure we were doing okay. I definitely recommend this place if you’re in the area and looking for a bite!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Bristol is my regular go-to place for a solid, relaxing sit down dinner before a show at the Kentucky Center. It was busy, but not packed the night I went. Savannah, our server, was extra kind and attentive. Food was good, but I think it has gone up in price to where I don't think it merits it. Overall, good experience.

The red snapper was very good. We were told that it would come with rice with pesto & cauliflower. It came with grits & broccolini. I could eat neither. Very disappointing.