There's A Hot Brown Hop In Kentucky And It's Just As Delicious As It Sounds
By Sarah McCosham|Published January 21, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
For such a humble little sandwich, the Kentucky hot brown sure has quite a big reputation. Originally conceived as a late-night treat for hungry performers and patrons at the legendary Brown Hotel in Louisville, the hot brown has become one of the most iconic dishes in the Bluegrass State. Not only is this tasty favorite found in numerous eateries across the state, but it’s also inspired an official food trail! The Hot Brown Hop is easily the most delicious culinary journey you’ll ever take in Kentucky, and it deserves top spot on your dining bucket list.
The Kentucky Hot Brown Hop pays tribute to the legendary Bluegrass dish, boasting numerous iterations along the official food trail. View a full map at the Kentucky Tourism website, and read on for some of our favorite must-visit stops!
This is where is all began, and *the* quintessential Kentucky hot brown. Inspiration struck Chef Fred Schmidt in the 1920s when he decided to take late-night pub fare to the next level with a hot, open-faced, turkey and cheese sandwich. It remains Kentucky's most beloved hot brown to this day, and the Brown Hotel is basically Kentucky royalty.
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The Village Anchor
The Village Anchor, 11507 Park Rd, Louisville, KY 40223, USA
The Village Anchor does this dish proud. Their iteration -- dubbed "The Hotter Brown" -- is an indulgent dish featuring pulled chicken, house-made sourdough filling, cheddar parmesan, Mornay sauce, grape tomatoes, and house-candied bacon. Yes, please!
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Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge
Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen & Lounge, 1903 Embassy Square Blvd, Jeffersontown, KY 40299, USA
Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge features local and regional ingredients harvested in Bourbon Country, served in a classy, bourbon-adored dining room. Their hot brown stays true to the original, with roasted turkey, cherrywood bacon, roma tomatoes, toasted sourdough, and a creamy Mornay sauce.
While a traditional hot brown is eaten with a knife and fork, sometimes you need something that's a little more portable. The hot brown panini at Kentucky Derby Museum is essentially a mix between a next-level grilled cheese and Cuban sandwich, and it's every bit as delicious as it looks.
Bristol Bar and Grille
Bristol Bar & Grille Downtown, 614 W Main St #4211, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
The epitome of late-night comfort food, Sicilian's Pizza and Pasta takes the hot brown and turns it into a pizza! This decadent dish is every bit as delicious as it looks, and will have you returning time and time again.
The Troll Pub Under the Bridge
Troll Pub Under the Bridge, 150 W Washington St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
This charming little pub in Louisville dishes up a classic Kentucky hot brown that's true to the original recipe, down to the crust-trimmed Texas toast!
When Chef Fred Schmidt put together this simple sandwich in 1920, he couldn’t have predicted — or dreamed of — the legions of fans, dishes, and chefs it would inspire. The Kentucky hot brown is a simple, hearty, down-home dish that’s a big, ole’ hug on a plate — and we’re so proud to call it ours!
